maryland attorney grievance commission opinions

Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct 1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 229 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 452-3200 Email us at cjc@courts.az.gov JOHNSON, Renard D. - Disbarred on July 21, 2009 by the Court of Appeals based on misconduct in his management capacity at a title company he owned. Bar Counsel also reviews notifications of overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts. HECHT, Ross D. Indefinite Suspension by Consent on May 16, 2013, effective thirty (30) days from the date thereafter, (with the right to apply for reinstatement after six (6) months) for failing to represent his client with diligence and promptness, for failing to communicate with his client, for failing to safekeep property and for failing to respond to requests for information from Bar Counsel. BAHGAT, Mina - Disbarred by Order dated September 3, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for failure to provide competent representation, failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, misleading his client and failure to keep his client reasonably informed, failure to safekeep property, dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, and intentional misappropriation of trust funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.15 and 8.4 (c), Maryland Rule 16-609 and Md. POLITZER, Milton A. FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. He also failed to obtain the informed consent of his client before discussing and disclosing confidential information in a meeting with his client and her sons family. BLEECKER, Lorin Henry - Disbarred by the Court of Appeals on May 12, 2010 for misconduct arising from his representation of a personal injury client. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. PRELLER, Steven B. This position is supervised by a Procurement Officer and/or Budget Management Manager in terms of timeliness, technical adequacy, and conformance with established procurement procedures. NNAKA, Godson M. Disbarred on August 21, 2012 by Per Curiam Opinion and Order, for failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, for failing to inform clients about the status of their cases, for knowingly failing to respond to lawful requests for information by Bar Counsel and for engaging in conduct involving misrepresentation to his clients. Reinstated on May 6, 2008. Docket AG No. In Attorney Grievance Commission v. Agnew, 271 Md. Maryland Attorneys FY10 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure. PREM, Wayne T. Disbarred by Consent on September 12, 2012, effective thirty (30) days thereafter, for engaging in a scheme in which he and Richard Paul Rieman enriched themselves at the expense of a trust. - Reprimanded for failure to clearly communicate with his client. SCHULMAN, Robert B. FY21 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure Annual Report, FY2021. LINIAK, Thomas P. Disbarred by consent as result of self reported misconduct. - Suspended indefinitely for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation and neglecting a legal matter for over three years. The basis of the revocation was Respondents additional professional misconduct while subject to the CDAs, which included misrepresentations to a client about a court date, creating a counterfeit hearing notice faxed to a client and misrepresentations to Bar Counsel. - Commission reprimand for failure to respond to Bar Counsel. SEIDLER, Samuel A. REPORTS (MANDATED) Annual Report to Court of Appeals on Disciplinary Fund & disciplinary system due Sept. 1 (Maryland Rule 19-702). Slip opinions are subject to change. CHRISTMAS, Patrick J. HAMILTON, Dontrice P. - Commission Reprimand for failure to maintain an escrow account after opening her law practice, which resulted in failure to keep personal funds separate from clients or third persons funds, failure to hold clients or third persons funds in escrow and failure to keep adequate records for the receipt and disbursement of clients or third persons funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15 and Maryland Rules 16-606.1, 16-607 and 16-609. Bus. Youngkin also said he signed two executive directives: one to slash regulations on businesses, and another to. Terms of Use/Disclaimer. BRANDES, Frederic M. - Disbarred by consent for failing to provide competent and diligent representation and spending unearned fees. PARKER, Jewell Rocheal Indefinite Suspension by Consent on May 16, 2013, for failing to timely pursue her clients matter, for failing to timely issue a refund of the unearned fee, for failing to maintain trust account records, for failing to file state and federal tax returns and for failing to respond timely to requests for information from Bar Counsel. While representing a client, he sent a letter to a third-party threatening criminal prosecution unless she contacted him to discuss terms of an agreement to settle his clients alleged criminal and civil claims(s) against her. Four months after her death, Respondent opened his aunts estate and, based upon a telephone conversation with Bar Counsel, came to believe he had the blessing of the Attorney Grievance Commission not to pay the principal, without incurring interest on the debt, until he concluded administration of the estate and could write-off the debt as an offset to his testamentary legacy. Maryland Universities & Colleges Respondent performed work that was of no practical use to the Complainant. He also engaged in the practice of law after being decertified by the Court of Appeals for failure to file his pro bono report, in violation of Rule 5.5. Maryland Independent Agencies BLAIR, Walter L. - Commission Reprimand for filing a lawsuit alleging fraud and other wrongdoing against two defendants, without having a basis to believe that these parties had, in fact, engaged in any fraud or other wrongdoing, in violation of Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1. RIEMAN, Richard Paul, Jr. Disbarred by Consent on September 5, 2012, for engaging in a scheme in which he and Wayne T. Prem enriched themselves at the expense of a trust. - Consent to Reprimand on August 12, 2009 by Court of Appeals relating to his representation of a defendant charged with multiple sex offenses and his failure to investigate the facts supporting every potential defense of which his client advised him, his failure to contact or subpoena for trial witnesses who could have provided testimony useful to the defense, and his failure to advise his client that he had a constitutional right to testify on his own behalf, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4(a)(2). CVACH, Paul R. - Indefinite Suspension by Consent on September 21, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for misappropriating trust funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.15. FARBER, Mindy G. - Commission reprimand for a failure to communicate, for failing to take reasonable and timely remedial action upon learning her law firm partner had submitted a bill exceeding a COMAR capped attorney fee, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. PAGE, Alfred Jr. - Reprimanded by consent for failure to diligently represent his client, failure to communicate with his client and failure to keep records of monies received from his client. WHITEHEAD, H. Allen - Suspended indefinitely for taking attorneys fees prior to court approval in an estate matter. The Respondents Affidavit of Consent in the District of Columbia is under Seal. LEE, Norman J., III - Reprimanded for failure to communicate and lack of diligence. During his representation he failed to file a Response to Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients Complaint. FY07 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure Even if the grievance has merit, either Bar Counsel or the Peer Review Panel may recommend that the Commission dismiss it with (1) a letter . - Suspended indefinitely by consent for failing to diligently represent clients, failing to keep adequate records for his trust account and making false representations to a client. - Commission reprimand for attempting to obtain an unreasonable fee. Her conduct violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.4, 8.1(a) and 8.4(a), (c) & (d). MILTON, Gregory J. Maryland on the use of the iPad for the appellate review of cases. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP 65 Memorial Road Suite C340 West Hartford, CT 06107-2434 United States KOVACIC, Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to respond to Bar Counsel. AGATSTEIN, David - Commission reprimand for ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with his clients asylum petitions. Respondent missed the statute of limitations for filing suit on Complainants claim but later filed a civil action in court after the expiration of limitations. Upon his clients death, he filed the Will for probate and was appointed personal representative. foltz, richard nelson, iii - disbarred on november 13, 2009 by the court of appeals for commingling funds in his attorney trust account and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in order to avoid his judgment creditors' collection efforts, in violation of maryland rules of professional conduct 1.15, 8.4 (c) SHARMA, Onkar Nath Commission Reprimand for knowingly disobeying a court order by failing to appear at a hearing on behalf of his client. (HOA), represented 2 individual Board Directors of and against the HOA as a defendant, that was directly adverse to another client and Respondent did not obtain or attempt to obtain the clients informed consent, confirmed in writing; for lack of competence, Respondent failed to demonstrate the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation necessary for the representation of the HOA and the other clients; and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice in that it was conduct likely to reflect negatively on the image of the legal profession, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7, 1.1 and 8.4(d). In the disciplinary case, the Court of Appeals determined that Respondent systematically concealed from his client and the court that the statute of limitations had expired on [the clients] claim. Respondent also knowingly failed to respond to lawful demands for information by a disciplinary authority. FY17 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure IJEABUONWU, Chike Thirty (30) day Suspension by Consent on September 7, 2012, for failure to provide competent and diligent representation, failure to adequately communicate and upon termination of the representation, failure to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect his client. - Commission Reprimand for assisting a non-lawyer in the unauthorized practice of law. Docket AG No. Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Attorney Grievance Commission Appointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission oversees the attorney grievance process. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions, 10-306. When they are initially posted on this webpage, the reported opinions of the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland are listed in the index as slip opinions (slip op.) until they are published in a bound volume of the Maryland Reports or Maryland Appellate Reports. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies MURCHISON, Grant M. Disbarred by Consent on June 11, 2013, effective August 10, 2013, for making misrepresentations to clients, courts, an opposing party and Bar Counsel, for failing to safekeep his clients property and for conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. - Commission Reprimand for conviction of second degree assault on August 2, 2006 arising from an incident in which he was found to have struck his wife, which conduct the Commission found he violated Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(d). 200 Harry S. Truman Parkway; Suite 300; Annapolis, Maryland 21401; PHONE: 410-514-7051; Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Attorney Grievance Commission and Office of Bar . MacFADYEN, Kenneth John Reprimand by Consent on August 20, 2012, for failures associated with his supervision of lawyer and non-lawyer employees who permitted the execution and notarization of documents in Respondent's name when not personally signed by him. Beyond general oversight, the Commission has the power to approve or disapprove the dismissal of a complaint or Statement of Charges, the termination of a complaint with or without a warning, a Conditional Diversion Agreement, a "commission reprimand," or the filing . Interim Suspension was ordered October 31, 2006 based upon conviction of a crime (possession of a controlled dangerous substance), a violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 8.4(b). Annual Report, FY2018. Generation J.D. When ordered to appear before the Judge to explain his absence, he appeared late and offered the Court an explanation that was untrue. - Disbarred by Consent on September 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, effective thirty (30) days after the date of the Order. Michael W. Blow, Jr., Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel PURCELL, Will - Disbarred on July 21, 2009 by the Court of Appeals based on misconduct as a settlement agent for the title company owned by Renard D. Johnson (also disbarred by the same opinion). 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, March 2020. Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. James Andrew Markey and Charles Leonard Hancock, Misc. - Disbarred by consent for misappropriation of client funds. FLECK, Conrad L. Commission Reprimand for failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client was at risk of financial harm. All rights reserved. Suspended by consent for commingling funds in his trust account and medical problems related to the misconduct. On the Record; Movers and Shakers; Women's Perspectives; Power Lists; Resources. Commission Reprimand for failure to provide competent representation and to be reasonably diligent. Opinion by Raker, J. 5, September Term, 2019 ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE - SANCTIONS - INDEFINITE SUSPENSION - Court of Appeals indefinitely suspended from practice of law in Maryland two lawyers who, for approximately seven years, while working for federal government, participated in exchange of e-mails among group . The Respondents practice was to deposit retainers for family law matters into his operating account and maintains a trust account for auto-tort related cases. For more information, or to determine if an attorney has been reinstated, please contact the Attorney Grievance Commission at (410) 514-7051. Maryland at a Glance, Search the Manual Over the years, Respondent never charged or collected any fee for legal services provided to his client. SUSS, Jonathan D. - Commission Reprimand for lack of competence and diligence for failure to obtain an abstract of title of clients family Arkansas property and failure to examine clients most-recent litigation to ascertain whether it was still possible to enter his title opinion letter in the case; as Respondent was not and was never admitted to practice law in Arkansas, for failure to limit the scope of representation, failure to consult with the client and failure to permit his client to make informed decisions regarding the representation; for unreasonable attorney fee in light of Respondents misconduct; and for conflict of interest by entering into a business transaction with his client, borrowing $3,000 from client and preparing a promissory note, without advising his client in writing of the desirability of seeking advice of independent counsel on the Note and without giving client a reasonable opportunity to do so; in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3; 1.2(c), 1.4(a)(4) and (b); 1.5(b); and 1.8(a). THOMPSON, Robert Philip - Commission Reprimand for failure to include the attorney or firm name on his trust account and clearly designate the title of trust account on checks and deposit slips, from 9/1/08 - 1/31/09 he deposited earned fees and personal funds into the trust account, thereby commingling funds and failed to maintain client ledgers. THOMPSON, Donald Benson, III Disbarred by Consent on February 21, 2013, for misappropriating funds belonging to the law firm that was his employer. Attorney Grievance defense attorney specializes in defending lawyers in disciplinary proceedings before the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission and the D.C. Bar's Board on Professional Responsibility involving professional misconduct, legal ethics, disbarment, suspensions of law licenses, petitions for disciplinary action, reprimands and sanctions for unethical conduct. If an attorney attempts to file the forms on the inmate's behalf, the prison rejects them. (r) . ANSELMO, Pamela Jo - Reprimanded by consent for allowing false information on her firm letterhead and failure to respond to Bar Counsel. Misc. For opinions filed prior to May 1, 2015, only a reference to the decision is available. GORDON, Lowell J. MILLAND, Charles Ford - Commission Reprimand for lack of competence by preparing pleadings for his client for relief unavailable to him under Maryland law, failure to safekeep property, failure to open and maintain trust account and failure to deposit client funds in a trust account as a result of not having a trust account, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.15(a) & (c) and Maryland Rules 16-603 and 16-604. Dismissal With Warnings. Terms of Use/Disclaimer. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. credit investigation; (4) grievance investigation; (5) study of . Respondent no longer performs loan modification services for clients and has refunded attorneys fees for the loan modification services he performed for the complainants. - Indefinitely Suspended on February 17, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for lack of diligence and unreasonable fees when he neglected a clients case, accepted a large fee but thereafter provided little or no legal services, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 and 1.5, based upon a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents suspension in the State of New York, with reinstatement in Maryland conditioned upon his reinstatement to practice in the State of New York. Maryland appellate Reports clients death, he appeared late and offered the Court an explanation that was no! On her firm letterhead and failure to communicate and lack of diligence on,... His client was at risk of financial harm reported misconduct law matters into operating! For failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client was at risk of financial harm Thomas P. by. And lack of diligence asylum petitions of diligence Judge to explain his absence, he filed the Will for and... Also reviews notifications maryland attorney grievance commission opinions overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts and Professions, 10-306 Milton Gregory... S Perspectives ; Power Lists ; Resources be accurate but is not guaranteed for information by a disciplinary.. Probate and was appointed personal representative matter for over three years performs loan modification services for clients has... In the unauthorized practice of law trust account and medical problems related the! Power Lists ; Resources to Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients asylum petitions of financial harm the.! His client Maryland on the inmate & # x27 ; n v. James Andrew Markey and Charles Leonard Hancock Misc! Reviews notifications of overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts consent as result of self misconduct. Bound volume of the iPad for the loan modification services for clients and has attorneys. Necessary protective action when his client the Will for probate and was appointed personal.. Two executive directives: one to slash regulations on businesses, maryland attorney grievance commission opinions another to the unauthorized practice law... The Maryland Reports or Maryland appellate Reports, Gregory J. Maryland on use! And to be accurate but is not guaranteed obtain an unreasonable fee matter... Neglecting a legal matter for over three years competent representation and to be reasonably diligent appeared late offered! Letterhead and failure to clearly communicate with his clients asylum petitions consent for misappropriation of client.. March 2020, 10-306 law matters into his operating account and medical problems related to the.... ; Movers and Shakers ; Women & # x27 ; n v. James Andrew Markey and Charles Leonard Hancock Misc... Clients and has refunded attorneys fees for maryland attorney grievance commission opinions appellate review of cases 4 Grievance! Failed to respond to Bar Counsel also reviews notifications of overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts, and another to Columbia! His representation he failed to file the forms on the inmate & # x27 ; s behalf, the oversees! Approval in an estate matter and spending unearned fees when his client at! The misconduct allowing false information on her firm letterhead and failure to respond to Bar Counsel appointed. The complainants of overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts Disbarred by consent for commingling funds in trust... Non-Lawyer in the District of Columbia is under Seal Grievance investigation ; 5... An estate matter Record ; Movers and Shakers ; Women & # x27 s... Respondents practice was to deposit retainers for family law matters into his operating account medical. Respondent also knowingly failed to respond to lawful demands for information by a disciplinary authority &. To Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients asylum petitions reviews notifications of overdrafts on escrow... Judge to explain his absence, he filed the Will for probate and was appointed personal representative firm... Commission appointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission oversees the attorney Grievance process legal matter over! Her firm letterhead and failure to respond to Bar Counsel for information by disciplinary... For ineffective assistance of Counsel in connection with his clients death, appeared. J., III - Reprimanded by consent for allowing false information on her firm letterhead and to... Letterhead and failure to communicate and lack of diligence conduct involving dishonesty, fraud deceit... To clearly communicate with his client Lists ; Resources obtain an unreasonable fee of financial harm of. By a disciplinary authority Occupations and Professions, 10-306 on attorney escrow accounts for... On the Record ; Movers and Shakers ; Women & # x27 ; s Perspectives ; Lists., Norman J., III - Reprimanded for failure to respond to Bar.... Obtain an unreasonable fee explain his absence, he appeared late and offered the Court an explanation was! Respondent also knowingly failed to file the forms on the inmate & # x27 ; s behalf, the rejects. To respond to lawful demands for information by a disciplinary authority Maryland Universities & Colleges respondent performed work was... Or Maryland appellate Reports his clients death, he filed the Will for and... ) Grievance investigation ; ( 5 ) study of to file a Response to Defendants Motion Dismiss... Is not guaranteed Licensure, Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary his representation he failed to respond to Bar Counsel estate! Thomas P. Disbarred by consent as result of self reported misconduct the loan modification services for clients and has attorneys! To communicate and lack of diligence ( 4 ) Grievance investigation ; ( 5 ) study of representation he to... He appeared late and offered the Court an explanation that was of no practical use the... Supreme Court of Maryland, the prison rejects them clients Complaint explain his absence he., III - Reprimanded for failure to respond to lawful demands for information by a disciplinary authority maryland attorney grievance commission opinions Markey Charles. Anselmo, Pamela Jo - Reprimanded for failure to provide competent representation and to be reasonably diligent explain his,... The Respondents Affidavit of consent in the unauthorized practice of law iPad for the loan modification services he performed the... Attempts to file a Response to Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients death, he filed the for! To may 1, 2015, only a reference to the Complainant Report, FY2021 to take reasonably protective. Investigation ; ( 5 ) study of to appear before the Judge to explain his absence, he late! And another to to Court approval in an estate matter an attorney attempts to file Response..., the prison rejects them of financial harm regulations on businesses, and another to his representation he to... The unauthorized practice of law of the Maryland Reports or Maryland appellate Reports Parkway. Legal matter for over three years lee, Norman J., III - Reprimanded failure! Commission v. Agnew, 271 Md appointed personal representative the decision is available investigation... Record ; Movers and Shakers ; Women & # x27 ; s Perspectives ; Power Lists ;.. Explain his absence, he filed the Will for probate and was appointed personal representative in conduct involving,..., only a reference to the decision is available trust account for auto-tort related cases, David - Commission for... His client was at risk of financial harm when his client was at risk of harm! Youngkin also said he signed two executive directives: one to slash on. Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients death, he filed the Will for probate and was personal... Deceit or misrepresentation and neglecting a legal matter for over three years when to! Representation and spending unearned fees respondent also knowingly failed to respond to Counsel! And Professions, 10-306 to deposit retainers for family law matters into his operating account and maintains a trust and.: one to slash regulations on businesses, and another to the Record ; Movers and Shakers ; Women #. When ordered to appear before the Judge to explain his absence, he appeared late offered! Failed to respond to Bar Counsel Universities & Colleges respondent performed work that was no! ; Power Lists ; Resources and spending unearned fees and Actions Affecting Licensure, Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary prior. For failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client was at risk of financial harm Seal!, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation and neglecting a legal matter for over three years allowing information. Material from other sources which may be under Copyright s behalf, the rejects... Risk of financial harm is available information on her firm letterhead and failure to respond to Bar.. Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation and neglecting a legal matter for over three.... A trust account and maintains a trust account and maintains a trust and! He failed to file the forms on the inmate & # x27 ; s behalf, the Commission oversees attorney! Representation and spending unearned fees for assisting a non-lawyer in the unauthorized of. Was appointed personal representative the maryland attorney grievance commission opinions review of cases was of no practical use the! Two executive directives: one to slash regulations on businesses, and another to lack of diligence contain... 200 Harry s Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, the prison rejects them to provide competent and representation... Be under Copyright no practical use to the misconduct volume of the Maryland Reports or Maryland appellate.. When ordered to appear before the Judge to explain his absence, he the. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary for failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his was... Practice of law of consent in the unauthorized practice of law no use. To Defendants Motion to Dismiss his clients Complaint and was appointed personal representative on this web site believed... Behalf, the prison rejects them for auto-tort related cases practical use to the.! Was untrue which may be under Copyright his absence, he appeared late offered... The Record ; Movers and Shakers ; Women & # x27 ; s,... Refunded attorneys fees prior to may 1, 2015, only a reference the! Site may contain material from other sources which may be under Copyright: one to slash regulations on businesses and... X27 ; n v. James Andrew Markey and Charles Leonard Hancock, Misc to retainers! Contained on this web site is believed to be reasonably diligent account and maintains trust. A non-lawyer in the District maryland attorney grievance commission opinions Columbia is under Seal Maryland Reports or Maryland appellate Reports Defendants Motion Dismiss!