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Judges – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Financial Dealings – Inappropriate Comments
In one instance, the respondent-probate judge used the probate court bank account for his own purposes and, in more than one instance, he made inappropriate comments to court personnel. Because respondent has resigned and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in this state without first obtaining permission from this court, after providing notice […]
Judges – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Financial Dealings – Inappropriate Comments
The respondent-probate judge used the probate court account for his own purposes and made inappropriate comments to court personnel. Because respondent has resigned and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in this state without first obtaining permission from this court, after providing notice to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the strongest punishment we […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Suspension – Communication & Diligence
When the respondent-attorney moved his office, he failed to adequately communicate with his clients; he also failed to diligently pursue some of their cases or to refund the unearned portions of some of their retainers. Respondent also failed adequately to communicate or cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The court accepts the agreement for […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Suspension – Diligence – QDRO
Where respondent (1) failed to keep clients reasonably informed, (2) failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, (3) failed to pay $2,500 to a client after the Resolution of Fee Disputes Board instructed him to do so, and (4) took approximately a decade to have three Qualified Domestic Relations Orders prepared, respondent violated Rules […]
Judges – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Oxycodone
When respondent took possession of a substance he believed was oxycodone, he violated Canon 1A (a judge should maintain high standards of conduct) and Canon 2A (a judge shall respect and comply with the law and shall act at all times to promote public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary) of the Code of […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Reciprocal Discipline
In Tennessee, respondent was censured for failing to communicate with his client and for failing to diligently pursue his client’s interests; hearing no response from respondent, we impose the identical discipline by publicly reprimanding respondent. In re Deslauriers (Lawyers Weekly No. 010-036-18, 2 pp.) (Per Curiam) John Nichols for Office of Disciplinary Counsel; Francis Deslauriers, [&helli[...]
Attorneys – Discipline – Definite Suspension – Lack of Diligence & Communication – Failure to Cooperate
Although the court is sympathetic to the respondent-attorney’s substantial, well-documented mental health issues, we must weigh this sympathy against our duty to protect the public from lawyers who may lack the present ability to adequately represent their clients in the courts of this state. Therefore, in light of the seriousness and extent of respondent’s misconduct, […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Definite Suspension – Failure to Correct a False Statement – Court Reporter Invoices
Holding: Where respondent later learned that evidence he had used in a personal injury trial was false, he violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(e), 3.3(a)(1) and 3.3(a)(3) when he failed to disclose the falsity to the judge in the personal injury action and failed to withhold the disputed amount of the verdict from distribution. Respondent […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Personal Funds – Inappropriate Remarks – E-Cigarettes
Holding: Respondent used his personal funds to pay a client’s bond and provided financial and other assistance to the client (including allowing her to stay in his home) after he negotiated a tentative plea agreement for the client; he made sexually inappropriate comments to clients; and he deliberately concealed transfers of electronic cigarettes to clients […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Lack of Diligence – Recordkeeping – Staff Supervision
Holding: Respondent violated multiple Rules of Professional Conduct when he (1) failed to follow through on clients’ litigation needs, (2) failed to communicate with clients, (3) failed to adequately supervise staff members who blocked calls and erased emails from clients, (4) failed to keep adequate records for his trust accounts, and (5) commingled personal and […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Child Support Garnishment – Weekly vs. Monthly – Inappropriate Conduct
Holding: Respondent failed to diligently represent a client when he mistakenly drafted a child support order so that it required his client to pay weekly rather than monthly and was slow to recognize his mistake, causing his client to experience financial difficulties. Respondent also acted inappropriately when he asked a client to show him her […]
Attorneys – Discipline – Public Reprimand – Family Representation – Conflict of Interest – Bankruptcy Fees
Holding: Respondent informally represented her two former stepdaughters – who were legally at odds with one another – and failed to note such representation in her firm’s computerized conflicts system, thereby depriving another attorney at the firm of the opportunity to realize the potential conflict of interest before he accepted respondent’s daughter as a client […]
Business Law
- Economy forces attorneys to get down to business
- Business Court judges trawl for customers
- Va. company's Web site did not subject business to personal jurisdiction in S.C., appeals panel rules
- Former running back from S.C. wins courtroom victory in contract dispute
- Contract – Government Contract – Qui Tam – False Claims Act
- Tort – Business Tort – Va. Computer Crimes Act – Trade Secrets
- Consumer Protection – FCRA – Auto Loan – Bank Accounting Errors
- Licenses & Permits – Beer & Wine Permit – Restrictive Covenant – Suitable Location
- Licenses & Permits – Veterinarian – Vaccine Maintenance
- State regulators look at car dealer accused of lying to customers
- Textile firm, railroad settle Graniteville train wreck lawsuit
- Subprime mortgage meltdown hits securities law
Commentary
- Virginia Tech student got due process in hearing
- High court justices cross the line of propriety
- High court’s term was rough on big business
- The flip side of generative AI in law and how to address it
- The fight for equal educational opportunity continues
- Letter From The Editor – Working from Home
- NLRB joins FTC in taking aim at non-competes
- Supreme Court leaves key internet protection untouched
- US Supreme Court bites back at parody’s use of the First Amendment
- My goal: Provide the information that you need now
- Case study: North Carolina courts provide guidance on scope, limitations of attorney-client privilege
- A Different Ode to Pro Bono Work
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