Harris

In this proceeding we review the recommendation of the Review Department of the State Bar Court (review department) that petitioner, Suzanne Louise Harris, be suspended from the practice of law for three years, that execution of the order be stayed, and that petitioner be placed on probation for three years upon conditions including actual suspension from practice for ninety days. Petitioner contends that the findings and conclusions of the State Bar Court are not supported by the evidence, that the recommended discipline is excessive, and that the disciplinary proceeding is barred by the doctrine of laches. We disagree, and adopt the recommendation of the review department.

Facts

Petitioner was admitted to the practice of law in January 1970. She has no prior record of discipline.

In a notice to show cause filed July 31, 1987, the State Bar charged petitioner, in essence, with abandoning a client. After an evidentiary hearing, the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court (hearing panel) issued findings of fact and concluded that petitioner violated her duties as an attorney within the meaning of Business and Professions Code section 6103, 1 and wilfully violated…