Application of Moneri for Admission to the Bar

Show cause hearing held May 5, 2023. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND* Misc. No. 29 September Term, 2022 IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF NEO KAMOHELO MONERI FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF MARYLAND Fader, C.J. Watts Hotten Booth Biran Gould Eaves, Pursuant to the Maryland Uniform Electronic Legal Materials JJ. Act (§§ 10-1601 et seq. of the State Government Article) this document is authentic. 2023-06-02 09:21-04:00 Order Hotten, J., dissents.

Gregory Hilton, Clerk Filed: May 31, 2023 * During the November 8, 2022 general election, the voters of Maryland ratified a constitutional amendment changing the name of the Court of Appeals of Maryland to the Supreme Court of Maryland. The name change took effect on December 14, 2022. * IN THE * IN THE MATTER OF THE SUPREME COURT APPLICATION OF NEO * KAMOHELO MONERI FOR OF MARYLAND ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF * MARYLAND Misc. No. 29 * September Term, 2022 * ORDER The Court having considered the favorable recommendations of the Character Committee for the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit and the State Board of Law Examiners concerning the application of Neo Kamohelo Moneri for admission to the Bar of Maryland, it is this 31st day of May 2023, by the Supreme Court of Maryland, a majority of the Court concurring, ORDERED that the favorable recommendations of the Character Committee for the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit and State Board of Law Examiners are accepted, and it is further ORDERED that the applicant shall be admitted to the Bar upon taking the oath prescribed by the statute. /s/ Matthew J. Fader Chief Justice IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND Misc. No. 29 September Term, 2022 IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF NEO KAMOHELO MONERI FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF MARYLAND Fader, C.J. Watts Hotten Booth Biran Gould Eaves, JJ.

Dissent to the Order by Hotten, J. Filed: May 31, 2023 Attorneys enjoy a distinct position of trust and confidence that carries the significant responsibility and obligation to be caretakers for the system of justice that is essential to the continuing existence of a civilized society. Each attorney, therefore, as a custodian of the system of justice, must be conscious of this responsibility and exhibit traits that reflect a personal responsibility to recognize, honor, and enhance the rule of law in this society. Md. Att’ys’ Rules of Prof. Conduct App’x 19-B (emphasis added).

Respectfully, I dissent from the majority. I am not persuaded that Mr. Moneri has demonstrated the requisite character and fitness to practice law in Maryland. The conduct reflected in the record suggests a self-centered and reckless disregard for the property interests of others, the law and legal process.1 Such traits are inconsistent with the