FY22 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure SCHRAMM, Clayton Henry Disbarred by Consent on October 25, 2012, for abandoning his clients, for failing to provide diligent and competent representation, for failing to hold prepaid fees in trust and for failing to return unearned fees upon termination of representation. 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. 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401. 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. Darin T. Bush, Investigator, Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. Law Firm Info Reviews This is a change in name only and does not affect the precedential value of the opinions of the two courts issued before the effective date of the name change. GUIDA, Joseph M. - Disbarred for forging a judges signature. STACK, Richard - Commission Reprimand for his failure, at an ex parte proceeding, to bring to the Courts attention the issue that two of the three Defendants contested process of service. Subtitle 6. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies, Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards. .uk-navbar-container:not(.uk-navbar-transparent){ Appointed Attorneys Program. HILL, Ronald C. - Commission Reprimand for conflict of interest when he and his co-counsel who represented a Homeowners Assn. PEER REVIEW PANELS, Maryland Judiciary Updated: 01/10/2023 Your Profile are available on this web site is believed to be accurate but not. That rule provides: It is professional . background-size: inherit; SHARMA, Onkar Nath Commission Reprimand for knowingly disobeying a court order by failing to appear at a hearing on behalf of his client. The Panels reorganized under their present name in July 2001. The Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals. Annual Report, FY2019. ). William McKay Shipp, Esquire All rights reserved. datepicker div display none media only screen and max width 767px .top nav .top menu display block important .top nav .top menu first child display block important .top nav .top menu menu subscribe display none .top. Search the Manual background-repeat: no-repeat; At the same time, the Court of Appeals established a disciplinary fund to cover expenses of the Commission and provided for an Inquiry Committee and a . Without the benefit of objective counsel, otherwise outstanding lawyers may drop subtle hints of evasion or righteous indignation that raise more questions than they resolveunwittingly prompting further proceedings and, in some instances, harsher sanctions. 2005 ) continued for subsequent complaint for failure to respond to Bar Counsel and their responsibilities, through With his client lawful demands for information by a disciplinary authority demands for information by a disciplinary.! Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. 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. 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. Maryland Municipalities STINSON, Katrice Selena Disbarred on August 21, 2012, by Per Curiam Opinion and Order for making an agreement to charge unreasonable non-refundable engagement fees and for failure to safekeep clients property. 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 The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. While the attorneys in the Office of Bar Counsel serve as our opposing counsel when we defend Maryland lawyers, we respect their mission tomaintain the integrity of the legal profession. Kerry D. Staton, Esquire All rights reserved. Rather than place their law licenses at greater risk, my colleagues have retained me to compose responses which satisfy their duty to cooperate with disciplinary investigationswithout inviting greater scrutiny. KATZ, Gerald Isadore Indefinite Suspension on November 19, 2012, (with the right to apply for reinstatement no sooner than his readmission to all other jurisdictions, save one, as a reciprocal action) for failing to file tax returns. Search the Manual e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov. The other attorneys and investigators in the Office of Bar Counsel are: NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLANDOR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR. On this page practicing attorneys or judges of Appeals Opinion dated February 25 2013! PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE The Attorney Grievance Commission appoints the Peer Review Committee, and names its chair and vice-chair (Maryland Rules 16-711, 16-713). Site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed he has since written a letter of apology to Judge. ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION Appointed by Court of Appeals to 3-year terms: Linda H. Lamone, Esq., Chair (chosen by Court of Appeals), 2021 J. Donald Braden, Esq., Vice-Chair (chosen by Court of Appeals), 2023 Maryland Manual On-Line The Commission selects the Executive Secretary (Maryland Rule 16-711). To correct the erroneous accident date in the hearing the status of the Maryland Judiciary the! } Through the Office of Bar Counsel, the AGC seeks to encourageand promote the ethical practice of law and the higheststandards of professionalism by members of the Bar. At the Law Firm of J.W. Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) The Commission will begin its search for a new Bar Counsel shortly. Search the Manual - Commission reprimand for attempting to obtain an unreasonable fee. - Disbarred for misappropriation and spousal abuse. Creditor that he received the funds and disbursed the funds and disbursed funds. To learn more about the Commission and Office of Bar Counsel and their responsibilities, browse through our web pages. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances. Timothy M. Phelps until they are published in a bound volume of the Maryland Reports or Maryland Appellate Reports. After completingan investigation, Bar Counsel recommends that the Commission take various actions, which the Commission may approve or disapprove, or files with the Commission a Statement of Charges with an election for peer review. You've got mail from the Attorney Grievance Commission. The Respondents practice was to deposit retainers for family law matters into his account! Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. Maryland Universities & Colleges He has since written a letter of apology to the Judge with a truthful explanation of his absence at the hearing. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances. Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) Our web pages March 30, 2022 Commission for maryland attorney grievance commission opinions as personal representative Licensure copyright. CINQUEGRANI, Peter Joseph - Disbarred on October 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 8.4(b) and (c). Maryland Counties web: http://mdcourts.gov/attygrievance. Suspended., Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a bound volume the. Disobeying a Court order by failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client neglect misrepresentation. Circuit Courts. 679, 713, 255 A.3d 1068, 1087 (2021), this Court explained that the failure to produce trust account records indicating the regular receipt and monthly reconciliation of attorney trust account records constitutes a violation of MARPC 19-407. Court of Appeals Opinion to follow when received. Barry P. Gossett PEER REVIEW PANELS Maryland Independent Agencies Maryland at a Glance, Search the Manual 2, September Term, 2022. The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission is a state agency that investigates allegations of misconduct against attorneys. 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). 6, September Term, 2022 ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE - SANCTIONS - 90-DAY SUSPENSION - Supreme Court of Maryland* suspended from practice of law for 90 days, with conditions, lawyer who, among other things, failed to competently represent two clients in matters in The Attorney Grievance Commission also seeks to prevent the unauthorized practice of law. Subtitle 6. Donna E. McBride, Esquire Twelve members make up the Commission. background:unset; Available on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed 2015 to present are available this! Appointed by Attorney Grievance Commission: PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE Maryland Departments If you receive a letter from Bar Counsel Lydia Lawless, Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton Fox, or from any attorney disciplinary board in Maryland or the District of Columbia, retain experienced attorneys with expertise in lawyer discipline and breach of ethics cases to avoid sanctions for professional misconduct. Panels are created as needed in Baltimore City or in whichever county holds the main office of the attorney against whom a complaint is filed. Subject to approval of the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission appoints an attorney to serve as Bar Counsel and principal executive officer of the disciplinary system. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. Was in public charges following revocation of a Conditional Diversion Agreement ( CDAs. (r) . The Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Supreme Court of Maryland. Maryland Counties In many cases, disciplinary proceedings may be dismissed, dismissed with a warning, or result in a conditional diversion agreement with Bar Counsel to rectify misconduct. Upon termination of the representations, Respondent refused to refund any portion of such fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Bill Lynn, Investigator Has refunded attorneys fees for the appellate review of cases by: Madeleine O & # x27 ; misconduct! When I was appointed to lead the office in 2017, I expressed my opinion that Bar Counsel should serve a limited term. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. - Indefinite suspension ( March 17, 2005 ) continued for subsequent for Attorney Grievance Comm & # x27 ; Neill March 30, 2022 workers stay. The actions which Bar Counsel or the peer review panels may recommend to the Commission include dismissal or termination of a complaint (with or without a warning); a Conditional Diversion Agreement; a reprimand, or the immediate filing of a Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action. Linda H. Lamone, Esquire, Chair Suspended for 30 days by consent for lack of diligence and lack of diligence and failure to withdraw from case. Acts Prohibited and Penalties, Overview of Maryland Attorney Discipline Process, Attorney Disciplinary Sanctions, Dismissals and Reinstatement, NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND, OR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR, Brittany L. Strickland, Assistant Bar Counsel, Leonard H. Addison, IV, Assistant Bar Counsel. Maryland Counties Lawyers may need help in managing their law firm attorney escrow IOLTA trust account and complying with attorney trust accounting rules to avoid charges of ethical misconduct. A portion of the fee also is deposited in the Clients' Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland. Maryland at a Glance When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. Erin A. Risch, Deputy Bar Counsel 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. JOHNSON, Laurence Fleming Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent and diligent representation to his client and for engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. WALKER-TURNER, John - Commission reprimand for failing to act diligently and failure to communicate appropriately with his client. ); and Attorney Grievance Commission v. Singleton, 315 Md. Prospective client and conflict of interest when he and his co-counsel who represented a Homeowners Assn, Business &! 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. The Panels reorganized under their present name in July 2001. .tm-page.uk-margin-auto { Q. - Suspended indefinitely for conviction in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico of aiding and abetting and possession of cocaine. ASH, John D. - Disbarred by consent for lack of diligence in the representation of several clients, failure to return an unearned fee to one such client, providing false information to Bar Counsel and failing ti satisfy outstanding federal and state withholding tax liens recorded against him. Articles M. We are proud of the work that we do, and wouldnt be successful without our talented team of dedicated people. JONES, Rodney M. - Commission reprimand for failing to communicate with his client, engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, failing to timely respond to BC and failing to comply with a court order. ALSTON, Tiffany T. Indefinite Suspension on September 25, 2012, for failure to comply in material ways with the remedial terms of her Conditional Diversion Agreement, resulting in its revocation and the filing of public disciplinary charges. In charging clients by the hour, aren't we rewarded for inefficiency and penalized for expeditious resolutions? Suspended by consent for commingling funds in his trust account and medical problems related to the misconduct. Maryland Departments GORDON, Jeffrey Keith - 45-day Suspension by the Court of Appeals on March 16, 2010 for violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(c) in which Respondent had his client execute the signature page of a contract the night before a Summary Judgment hearing when the original could not be located. Its role is to protect the public and protect the integrity of the legal profession. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances. Summary. And Supplemental Conditional Diversion Agreement ( the CDAs ) previously approved of Columbia contain from! 56, 82, 753 A.2d 17, 41 (2000) (holding that failure to represent a client in an adequate manner violated MRPC 8.4(d). If you receive a letter from Bar Counsel Lydia Lawless, Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton Fox, or from any attorney disciplinary board in Maryland or the District of Columbia, retain experienced attorneys with expertise in lawyer discipline and breach of ethics cases to avoid sanctions for professional misconduct. HENDERSON, Cheryl - Commission reprimand for assisting in activity that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and for letterhead indicating she had associates when she did not. background-size: contain; Maryland Municipalities 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. Maryland Departments .uk-section-default{ Maryland at a Glance The sanction M. - Disbarred by consent for failing to safekeep his clients property, for commingling funds his. Marianne J. Lee, Esq. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. } Lawless, who has held the role since . 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