Benjamin Soto

DCCA Opinion (January 22, 2004)

Summary: In a reciprocal matter from Maryland, the court publicly censured Soto. The Court of Appeals of Maryland publicly reprimanded Soto for the unauthorized practice of law in real estate matters, in violation of Rule 5.5(a) of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct. Although the Maryland order specified that the reprimand not be published in the Maryland Reports, Maryland Reporter, or Atlantic Reporter, Second Series, the court adopted the unchallenged recommendations of the board and issued the public censure without limitation on its publication.

Board Report and Orders (July 17, 2003)

Summary: In a reciprocal matter from Maryland, the board recommends that the court publicly censure Soto. The Maryland court reprimanded Soto by consent for unauthorized practice of law in Maryland in violation of Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5(a) and Maryland Code, Business Occupations and Professions Article § 10-601(a). The Maryland court ordered that Soto’s reprimand not be published in the Maryland Reports, Maryland Reporter, or Atlantic Reporter, Second Series, although the reprimand was subject to public disclosure. Soto, who is not admitted to practice law in Maryland, was subject to the disciplinary authority of the Maryland court pursuant to Rule 8.5(b) of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct and Maryland Rule 16-701(a). The board found that Soto’s unauthorized practice in Maryland also violated Rule 5.5(a). In recognition that the District of Columbia does not permit private discipline, the board recommended the functional equivalent, a public censure.