A three judge panel will soon decide whether former Bridgeport mayor Joseph Ganim will get his law license back.
Ganim has applied for reinstatement to the Connecticut Bar. He lost his license in 2003 when he was sent to federal prison after being convicted of 16 counts of corruption. He served seven years in prison and remains on probation through July 2013.
Ganim did not speak during a hearing in Bridgeport Superior Court Tuesday morning before judges Barbara Bellis, Julia Dewey, and Elliot Solomon.
Harold Rosnick, Ganim's attorney, told the judges Ganim has satisfied the conditions of his ongoing probation to this point and that he should once again be able to practice law.
"He appreciates the distinction between right and wrong. He is of good moral character. He is honorable and honest. He is upright and trustworthy. He is presently fit to practice law," said Rosnick.
The hearing comes after a committee of five attorneys recommended Ganim's reinstatement.
Patricia King, the chief disciplinary counsel for the state Judicial Branch, testified against Ganim saying there's no evidence he's been sufficiently rehabilitated.
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"There was no expression of remorse by Mr. Ganim during his testimony and no explanation of the actual misconduct itself. He acknowledged the conviction but he didn't acknowledge the conduct," said King.
Throughout the hearing, the judges asked questions about Ganim's conviction, his choice to re-apply for his law license before his probation is over, and other issues.
Outside court, some residents expressed support for Ganim's cause.
"I think he should go for it, that's what I think. I think everybody deserves a chance. He already did his time," said Wendy Reyes, a Bridgeport resident.
"He should get his law license back because he'd be good for Bridgeport," said Joe Koestner, a Bridgeport resident.
The attorneys have until the end of next week to submit their final briefs. The judges will issue a written decision but did not specify when they plan to do so.
