IN RE: REINSTATEMENT OF ELAINE A. DOWLING (2025)

ORDER OF REINSTATEMENT

This is an automatic review of a Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board hearing panel's unanimous recommendation to reinstate suspended attorney Elaine A. Dowling. As no briefs have been filed, this matter stands submitted for decision on the record. SCR 116(6).

This court suspended Dowling from the practice of law for one year based on violations of RPC 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law), RPC 1.3 (diligence), RPC 1.15 (safekeeping property), and RPC 8.1 (bar admission and disciplinary matters). In re Discipline of Dowling, No. 85767, 2023 WL 2604977 (Nev. Mar. 22, 2023) (Order of Suspension). After completing the suspension and complying with the disciplinary order's conditions, Dowling petitioned for reinstatement. Following a hearing, the panel unanimously recommended that this court reinstate Dowling subject to certain conditions.

Based on our de novo review, we agree with the panel's conclusion that Dowling satisfied the burden of showing qualifications for reinstatement by clear and convincing evidence. See SCR 116(5) (providing that an attorney seeking reinstatement must demonstrate compliance with certain criteria “by clear and convincing evidence”); Application of Wright, 75 Nev. 111, 112-13, 335 P.2d 609, 610 (1959) (reviewing a petition for reinstatement de novo). We also approve the following four conditions, as recommended by the hearing panel. Dowling shall (1) obtain an approved mentor within 30 days from the date of this order, maintain the mentorship relationship for one year with in-person meetings at least monthly to discuss issues outlined in the hearing panel's recommendation, and provide quarterly reports to the State Bar countersigned by the mentor; (2) not engage in the solo practice of law for two years; (3) not have access to a client trust account for two years; and (4) complete all Handlebar learning modules and review the State Bar's trust accounting manual within one year. Additionally, Dowling shall pay the costs of the reinstatement proceeding, including $2,500 under SCR 120, within 30 days from the date of this order if she has not done so already.

With these conditions, we hereby reinstate Elaine A. Dowling to the practice of law in Nevada effective on the date of this order. See SCR 116(9) (allowing for conditions on reinstatement).

It is so ORDERED.

Herndon, C.J.

Pickering, J.

Bell, J.

Cadish, J.

Parraguirre, J.

Stiglich, J.

Lee, J.