Every Appellate Lawyer's Worst Nightmare
Is an opinion that says this:
"The events recounted in this opinion show that [lawyer] is a menace to his clients and a scofflaw with respect to appellate procedure. The district court may wish to consider whether he should remain a member of its bar. Would-be clients should consider how [lawyer] has treated Lee, Washington and Moore. [Lawyer] has not asked for a hearing on the disciplinary order to show cause, and we now conclude that he has comported himself unprofessionally. We reprimand [lawyer] for this unprofessional behavior and fine him $5,000.00, payable to the Clerk within 14 days. [Lawyer] must send Lee, Washington and Moore copies of this opinion so that they may consider whether to file malpractice suits against him."
The really crazy thing is that this is another opinion from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the same court I wrote about here. This one was written by Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook, for a panel that also included Judge Posner.
I wouldn't even call this a benchslap. They hit this guy with a baseball bat. Seriously, don't screw around with the Seventh Circuit. HT to the ABA Journal.
