Camacho’s disbarment order against Quichocho now in full effect

As there are no issues on appeal, the disbarment order that Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho issued against attorney Ramon K. Quichocho Jr. last July, is now in full effect.

Saipan Tribune learned yesterday that Quichocho did not file a notice of appeal on or before the deadline, which was last Friday, Aug. 15.

Under the CNMI Supreme Court Appellate Rule 4, notice of appeal in a civil case must be filed within 30 days. Since Camacho issued the disbarment order on July 15, 2014, the 30-day deadline was Friday, Aug. 15.

Camacho ordered the disbarment of Quichocho from the practice of law before the CNMI courts for professional misconduct in representing his then-client businesswoman Jung Ja Kim.

In a 50-page decision, Camacho said no lesser sanction would match the severity of Quichocho’s misconduct.

In this case, Camacho pointed out, Quichocho, by exploiting Ms. Kim on multiple levels, undermined not only her trust in him, but the public’s trust in the legal profession and the legal system.

Such conduct, Camacho said, is not tolerated from an attorney practicing before the courts of the CNMI.

Quichocho was ordered to pay all costs and fees as set forth in the Commonwealth Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.

Should the respondent apply for readmission to the CNMI Bar, Camacho said, he must provide proof of restitution to Kim as a condition of readmission.

Attorney Mark A. Scoggins was the court’s appointed disciplinary counsel.

The CNMI Bar Association Disciplinary Committee forwarded Kim’s case to the court. The case arises out of conduct and actions occurring over the course of a two-year attorney-client relationship between Quichocho and Kim and several companies she controlled.

Between March 2007 and March 2009 Quichocho allegedly engaged in multiple improper and unfair business transactions with Kim; had inappropriate and nonconsensual sexual relations with her; violated his duty of loyalty by consistently ignoring conflicts of interest; and improperly shared management and control of his law office with his wife, a non-attorney.

Last May 28, Camacho suspended Quichocho’s license to practice law for three years for using a legal tool to harass a former client to obtain payment.

Last month, Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman ordered a public reprimand against Quichocho for professional misconduct in connection with another Bar complaint filed by a couple.

Last March 28, a federal jury reached a unanimous verdict, holding Quichocho and his wife and law firm, liable to pay $2.4 million in damages to Kim, who filed a racketeering lawsuit against them.

The jury, however, found Kim liable to pay Quichocho and his law firm $48,221.67 in legal fees.