maryland attorney grievance commission opinions

HOOVER-HANKERSON, Celicia - Interim suspension by consent on reciprocal action from the District of Columbia for engaging in criminal activity. In the Virginia proceeding, she entered into an Agreed Disposition acknowledging her failure to act with reasonable diligence in representing clients, failure to deposit an unearned retainer in an attorney trust account until the fee was earned and engaging in the practice of law while her license in Virginia was administratively suspended for failure to comply with Virginias mandatory continuing education requirements, in violation of Rules 1.3, 1.15(a)(2) and 5.5(a)(1) of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. She was a major part of a group that sought to preserve the Belair Mansion in Bowie and also wrote about. - Disbarred by Consent on September 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, effective thirty (30) days after the date of the Order. PENN, Brien Michael Disbarred on April 25, 2013, effective immediately, for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty and deceit against his employer. FLECK, Conrad L. Commission Reprimand for failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client was at risk of financial harm. ALSTON, Tiffany T. While under an Indefinite Suspension imposed in a previous case decided by Opinion and Order on September 25, 2012, Respondent was Disbarred by Consent on May 2, 2013, for failing to provide competent and diligent representation, for failing to communicate with her clients, for failing to safekeep clients property and for failing to respond to requests for information from Bar Counsel. Annual Report, FY2018. FY15 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure credit investigation; (4) grievance investigation; (5) study of . POLITZER, Milton A. BLOCK, Steven Harold Disbarment by Consent on October 26, 2012, for commingling personal funds in his attorney trust account, for using his attorney trust account for personal purposes, for failing to inform a client that he had mistakenly reported a judgment satisfied and misused client funds, the source of the payment of the judgment. KAPOOR - Eric J. Respondent did not review the documents prepared and filed by the non-lawyer. GROVE, David Matthew Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent representation, for failing to keep his client reasonably informed and for failing to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation. Respondent was found to have facilitated a fraudulent, equity-stripping transaction, violating fiduciary obligations to the mortgage lender and to the sellers of the property, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.15(b)[now (d)], and 8.4(a) and (c). SHURBERG, Jonathan S. Indefinite Suspension by Consent on September 11, 2012, effective November 10, 2012 (with the right to apply for reinstatement no sooner than six (6) months after November 10, 2012) for misusing client funds, for failing to maintain trust records and for providing a false statement to Bar Counsel. - Disbarred by consent for misappropriation of client funds. His conduct violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.3 and 8.4(c) and (d). High court refers dispute over attorney grievance discovery rules to committee. Code Ann., Business Occupations & Professions Article, 10-304 and 10-306. He directed later-paid escrow funds to be used to cover the obligations of which the previously escrowed funds should have been used. McGLADE, Henry Donald, Jr. Indefinite Suspension by Consent on May 23, 2013, for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law after his April 24, 2012 suspension and for failing to respond to requests for information from Bar Counsel. The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. CHAPMAN, Gerald Frederick Indefinitely Suspended on January 31, 2013, effective immediately (with the right to apply for reinstatement no sooner than ninety (90) days thereafter) for misleading clients into believing that they were obtaining representation through a law firm, when in reality, a non-lawyer directed the representation, for sharing fees with the non-lawyer, for charging an unreasonable fee, for failing to hold prepaid fees in trust and for failing to respond to a clients request for information. Opinion by Bell, C.J. After reviewing Ms. Kendrick's application, the MIA issued her a denial letter pursuant to 10-404(b) . FISHER, Alene - Commission Reprimand for failure to competently represent her client by failure to advise her of potential tax consequences of the marital award coming from the supplemental retirement income plan, failure to timely pursue clarification of the Consent Order, failure to pursue the QDRO for six (6) months and failure to communicate with her client, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. Unreported opinions filed from May 1, 2015 to present are available on this page. 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. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies Term, 2012. OWEANOGE, John O. FY08 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure McCARTHY, Robert Michael Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent and diligent representation as Temporary Guardian of the property of his Ward. All payments were ultimately made and none of the Firms lawyers or employees suffered a loss. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. The Second Complaint, filed on 8/14/03, incorrectly represented that clients wife (Complainant) resided in a different jurisdiction from the First Complaint, was not signed by Respondent and appears that the client received assistance preparing the Second Complaint from someone who worked in Respondents office, who is no longer employed by him. LEE, Garrett Lamont - Disbarred on October 7, 2009, effective immediately, by the Court of Appeals, as reciprocal discipline corresponding to his disbarment by consent in the District of Columbia. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. For opinions filed prior to May 1, 2015, only a reference to the decision is available. McCLAIN, Charlers E., Sr. - Suspended by consent for 90 days for filing a frivolous complaint, engaging in a conflict of interest and failing to respect the rights of others. Maryland on the use of the iPad for the appellate review of cases. WRIGHT, Ronald A. Attorney Grievance Commission Appointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission oversees the attorney grievance process. He advised the court orally on May 12, 2008 that he would not be filing an opposition. WEISS, Randy A. DECKER, Michael Kenneth Disbarred by Consent on October 18, 2012, for failing to deposit client funds in his attorney trust account, for failing to provide his client with a full accounting of such funds and for failing to comply with a court order. - Disbarred for misappropriation and spousal abuse. HICKEY, William F., III Disbarred by Consent for failing to represent his clients with competence and reasonable diligence, for his conflict of interest, for failing to explain the difference between his role as a third-party neutral and his role as one who represents a client, for failing to safekeep his clients property, for failing to maintain unearned fees in escrow. Maryland Attorneys FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure. 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). JENKINS, Frank Plowden - Disbarred by Consent on September 15, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for lack of competence, diligence, communication, misappropriations, commingling and misrepresentation, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.15 and 8.4(c). These actions violated Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 Competence, 1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer, 1.4 Communication and 8.4(d) Misconduct (constituting conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice). KAPINUS, Bert W. - Commission Reprimand for engaging in professional misconduct in connection with his handling of a clients slip-and-fall personal injury case. SIDLE, Barton J. Further proceedings pending. s.hrg. The Attorney Grievance Commission, acting through Bar Counsel, filed a petition with this Court for disciplinary action against William Michael Monfried, respondent, alleging violations of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct (hereinafter "MRPC"). NDUKWE, Azewah - Commission Reprimand for his conduct relating to his representation of a client in a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in Prince Georges County, Maryland (First Complaint) filed on 6/20/03 and in the District of Columbia (Second Complaint). Her conduct violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.4, 8.1(a) and 8.4(a), (c) & (d). (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). - 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). FY09 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure For more information, or to determine if an attorney has been reinstated, please contact the Attorney Grievance Commission at (410) 514-7051. Commission Reprimand for failing to adhere to the ERISA rules and regulations governing Simple IRA plans sponsored by the law firm, and for failing to deposit employees contributions into their IRAs for a period up to six (6) months. MIRSKY, Steven E. - Commission Reprimand for placing an earned fee in his attorney trust account, in violation of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.15(b) and 16-607. This was a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents disbarment in the District of Columbia. The Commission, through the Office of Bar Counsel, seeks to encourage and promote the ethical practice of law and the highest standards of professionalism by members of the Bar. - Suspended indefinitely by consent for lack of diligence and failure to refund fees in bankruptcy cases. The non-lawyer prepared and signed documents using Respondents name as counsel. Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Annual Report, FY2021. WALTON, Charles E. - Commission Reprimand for conflict of interest when he and his co-counsel who represented a Homeowners Assn. The Attorney Grievance Commission oversees the conduct of both Maryland attorneys and nonmembers of the Maryland Bar who engage in the practice of law in the State. 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. Respondent made the requested changes that included naming himself as personal representative and residuary beneficiary. Maryland Attorneys -Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure FY 2006 to Present, FY23 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY22 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY21 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY20 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY19 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY18 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY17 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY16 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY15 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY14 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY13 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY12 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY11 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY10 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY09 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY08 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY07 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure, FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure. FRIEDMAN, Mark Howard Disbarred by Consent on April 19, 2013, for misappropriating escrow funds maintained by his law firm in connection with foreclosure actions. Law Firm Info Reviews 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. Appellant, Karin Kendrick, applied for a public adjuster license with the Maryland Insurance Administration ("MIA"). A federal declaration will likely: 1) resolve the uncertainty of the District's obligations and the Parents' rights; 2) provide a convenient and authoritative forum for resolution of this dispute; 3) help resolve the confusion and disagreements about Title IX widespread throughout the country; and 4) prevent future duplicative litigation Consent to Reprimand dated August 6, 2012, for failing to withdraw his appearance in a matter upon termination of representation. Subscribe Attorney Grievance v. Cassilly Annotate this Case Download PDF Search this Case Google Scholar Google Books Legal Blogs Google Web Bing Web Google News Google News Archive Yahoo! The petition filed by Bar Counsel charged him with misconduct, as defined by Maryland Rules 16-701(i), and 16-812, and consisting of violations . HOU, Junwei W. - Commission Reprimand for failure to communicate and conflict of interest when Respondent represented a husband and wife in immigration matters and later agreed to represent them in connection with a Marital Separation/Property Settlement Agreement but failed to obtain their informed consent, confirmed in writing, for joint representation and also failed to timely inform Complainant of the fact that his wife had filed for divorce while Respondent remained the attorney of record on the immigration matter or to provide legal advice to Complainant concerning the pending immigration petition, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4 and 1.7. This case involves a variation on the notorious practice of "robo-signing," which flourished during the recent foreclosure boom. Not be filing an opposition grievance Commission Appointed by the Supreme court of Maryland, MIA. Action when his client was at risk of financial harm previously escrowed should... 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