From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News
October 23, 2008 09:20 am
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ROMNEY, W.Va. — The law license of Donald P. Cookman, who is president of the Hampshire County Commission and is seeking re-election, was recently suspended by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the West Virginia Bar.
Cookman’s license was suspended for one year, according to an order issued Sept. 25 by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
The court also ordered Cookman to reimburse two parties within 60 days and to continue treatment as recommended by his physicians. The order specified payment of $1,500 to “Mr. McDonald” and $2,500 to “Mr. Cowgill.”
Prior to petitioning for reinstatement of his license, Cookman was ordered to submit a report verifying that his alcoholism and/or other psychological issues are under control and would not endanger the public, the legal profession and himself.
Upon successful reinstatement to the practice of law, Cookman must pay the costs of the court’s disciplinary proceedings and undergo two years of supervised practice.
When contacted Wednesday afternoon, Cookman issued the following statement.
“To the extent that this is an embarrassment to the county or its residents because of my position as one of your county commissioners, I am truly sorry, and I apologize to each and every one of you. As one of your commissioners, I have always tried to conduct myself in a way that would be of benefit to the county. I have never used my position to better myself or benefit myself. And I certainly never meant to cause embarrassment or harm to my county.
“That being said, I believe that the citizens of Hampshire County are entitled to an explanation from me of what events led to this development. Moreover, you deserve to know if I am still capable of doing the job that I asked you to entrust me with.
“It is common knowledge and no secret that I had a serious drinking problem and am a recovering alcoholic. As a result of my drinking, my law practice suffered. I failed to get work done; missed important deadlines, and failed to keep many clients informed of the true status of their legal matters. I finally hit bottom and on Nov. 11, 2005, I went into a detox center followed by an inpatient stay in a long-term alcohol rehabilitation center. I now am treated by my personal doctor, attend Alcoholics Anonymous and work on my recovery daily to avoid a relapse.
“My conduct; my failure to diligently pursue matters; and, my misleading clients regarding the status of their matters is what resulted in the filing of ethics complaints against me. These began to be filed shortly after I returned from rehabilitation in 2005 and early 2006. The recent suspension of my law license comes from these complaints, pending with the State Bar since 2005.
“I cannot say why the West Virginia State Bar and the West Virginia Supreme Court waited until now to issue their decision. I do know that while my constant drinking caused me to do things that caused harm to my clients, friends and family, alcohol is no excuse for my actions. While alcohol certainly clouded my judgment and impaired my abilities as a lawyer, I am responsible for my actions. I am both embarrassed and sorry for my conduct.
“Consequently, with the State Bar, I did not dispute any of the allegations against me. I did not deny that I had done or failed to do things that put me in violation of the rules of professional conduct for attorneys. I did not hire an attorney to represent me, because it was never my intent to contest the complaints. In short, I did then, as I continue to do today, admit that I failed to live up to the State Bar’s standards and that I should be disciplined for such. The only thing that I did do was to ask that the State Bar consider my alcoholism as a mitigating factor in the punishment that was imposed upon me. The Supreme Court did consider my condition, and instead of annulling my license, disbarring me, or suspending it for a longer period, gave me the punishment I now face and I accept.
“I assure the people of Hampshire County that I have not had a drink and have been clean and sober since Nov. 11, 2005. I assure the citizens of Hampshire County that I can continue to do the job as county commissioner. Therefore, I humbly ask for your support. This election should not be about my personal life and failures, it should be a question of the job that I’ve done as commissioner. If the question of my re-election is based solely on my record as commissioner and what has been done in Hampshire County, I believe that the majority of voters would re-elect me to office. I know that during my term, we have come a long way: new water and sewer infrastructure, a new judicial building, improved working conditions and pay for county employees, a new hospital on the way, and many more things. Even with this, there are still things to do. With your support, I hope to continue Hampshire County’s progress. We can do it together.”
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