Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) Maryland Departments 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. Suite 2100 Troy, Michigan. Terms of Use/Disclaimer. Peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975. FADER, Joel Jay Commission Reprimand for failing to adequately communicate with his client about his status as an attorney, for repeatedly failing to respond to inquiries from Bar Counsel, for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law while decertified and for failing to file his IOLTA and pro-bono reports for 2010. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies 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)], 8.4(a) and (c), 5.1(c) and 5.3(c). All rights reserved. background-image: url('/images/attorney-grievance_bg.jpg'); He acknowledges that he wrote and sent the letter to the clients ex-wife in haste without giving proper consideration to its accuracy or to the propriety of sending such a letter. In charging clients by the hour, aren't we rewarded for inefficiency and penalized for expeditious resolutions? c/o Office of Bar Counsel. Maryland Judiciary The Commission formerly was located at the People's Resource Center, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland. Created in 1975 by Rule of the Court of Appeals, the Attorney Grievance Commission investigates complaints against lawyers practicing in Maryland and administers discipline to them (Maryland Rule 19-702). - Suspended indefinitely by consent for lack of diligence and failure to refund fees in bankruptcy cases. .tm-page.uk-margin-auto { Reinstated on May 6, 2008. Second opinion] an employer requires workers to stay like 5 to 10 minutes late until relieved. - 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. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. 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. Its members are independent of the bar association. When I was appointed to lead the office in 2017, I expressed my opinion that Bar Counsel should serve a limited term. FISCHER, Morris Eli Commission Reprimand for failing to represent his client with reasonable diligence, for filing the clients complaint late and causing the clients case to be dismissed, for his conflict of interest by failing to advise the client, in writing, of the desirability to seek advice of independent counsel in connection with his actions, and for failing to promptly refund an unearned fee. 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. Maryland Counties Updated: 01/10/2023 Your Profile are available on this web site is believed to be accurate but not. 2, September Term, 2022. 1, 7-8 , 553 A.2d 222, 224 (1989) (A lawyer's neglect and lack of competence constituted conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. 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. Acts Prohibited and Penalties, NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND, OR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR. 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. Web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed, Business Occupations Professions! (r) . Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards DORSEY, Nelson B., Jr. - Indefinite Suspension by Consent, by the Court of Appeals on June 28, 2010 for abandoning his clients cases and for failure to return unearned fees, in violation of the Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a)(2) and 1.4(a)(3), 1.5(a), 1.15(a), 1.16(d), 8.1(b) and 8.4(d), and Maryland Rules 16-604 and 16-609, and Md. The Committee consists of the number of persons in each circuit that the Attorney Grievance Commission determines is necessary to conduct the volume of peer review proceedings. Stafford, L.L.C., we can assist you in preparing an initial response to a Bar Counsel inquiry, negotiating a CDA or reprimand with the Commission, and, when circumstances . Summary. A peer review panel consists of at least three volunteers: two attorneys and one lay member. Maryland at a Glance .tm-page.uk-margin-auto { It moved to its present Annapolis site in April 2015. Suspended by consent for commingling funds in his trust account and medical problems related to the misconduct. Fees for the loan modification services for clients and has refunded attorneys for. Search the Manual J. Donald Braden, Esquire, Vice- Chair FY19 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure He violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1.15(a) and (b) and 8.4(b), (c) and (d). Peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975. PEER REVIEW PANELS until they are published in a bound volume of the Maryland Reports or Maryland Appellate Reports. His conduct was in violation of Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 and Maryland Rules 16-606, 16-606.1 and 16-607. Creditor that he received the funds and disbursed the funds and disbursed funds. Maryland Independent Agencies In carrying out their functions of evaluating complaints and enforcing ethical standards for lawyers, the Commission and Bar Counsel strive for fairness and equity. Correct the erroneous accident date in the District of Columbia 2013, cited reasons for unauthorized Office of Bar Counsel made the requested changes that included naming himself as personal representative respondent took steps. May I accept these? HILL, Ronald C. - Commission Reprimand for conflict of interest when he and his co-counsel who represented a Homeowners Assn. Maryland Universities & Colleges Peter R. - Disbarred by consent for commingling funds in his trust account and maintains a account! To be accurate but is not guaranteed M. - Disbarred by consent for failing to act and. Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct 1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 229 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 452-3200 Email us at cjc@courts.az.gov 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. This information resource of the Maryland State Archives is presented here for fair use in the public domain. Your opinion matters. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. This case was in public charges following revocation of a Conditional Diversion Agreement and Supplemental Conditional Diversion Agreement (the CDAs) previously approved. They consist of nine lawyers and three lay persons appointed to three-year terms by the Supreme Court of Maryland. 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). KOBIN, Jason Ashley - Disbarred on May 2, 2013, for failing to maintain a separate trust account, for failing to hold employee withholding taxes in trust; for commingling and misuse of trust funds, for failing to keep adequate trust account records, for failing to appropriately supervise a nonlawyer employee, for failing to comply with federal and state tax obligations, for making misrepresentations to Bar Counsel and for failing to respond to lawful demands for information from Bar Counsel. Akram Khan Zero Degrees Resource Pack, Maryland Counties To resolve disputes, Peer Review Panels may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents. To resolve disputes, Peer Review Panels may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies . Maryland Manual On-Line Commission Reprimand for failing to safekeep his clients property, for commingling funds and for the unauthorized use of trust funds. Maria Bermudez, Staff Attorney, Jason P. Bogue, Lead Investigator Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Office of Legislative Audit Fraud Hotline. Appointed by Attorney Grievance Commission: Suspended., Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a bound volume the. 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. Maryland Judiciary Linda H. Lamone, Chair of the Attorney Grievance Commission said, On behalf of the Commission, I want to thank Lydia for her leadership and unrelenting dedication to the Commissions mission of protecting the public. The Commission appoints Bar Counsel and supervises Bar Counsel's investigation and prosecution of disciplinary cases. 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. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. News Ask a Lawyer Question: Add details 120 Ask Question Find a Lawyer Michael W. Blow, Jr., Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel POWELL, Roger Norman Reprimand by Consent on May 16, 2013, for assisting his client in conveying property in contravention of a court order and for preparing a declaration of trust that gave him an interest in the trust property. They consist of nine lawyers and three lay persons appointed to three-year terms by the Court of Appeals. Upon termination of the representations, Respondent refused to refund any portion of such fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred. (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). On October 15, 2007, he was indicted by a Harford County grand jury in a 21-count indictment, alleging theft, conspiracy to commit theft and accessory after-the-fact to theft. Articles M. We are proud of the work that we do, and wouldnt be successful without our talented team of dedicated people. 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. 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. Maryland Universities & Colleges 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. A timely basis stay like 5 to 10 minutes late until relieved direct Contact a! Circuit Courts. PEER REVIEW PANELS, Maryland Judiciary Annapolis, Maryland 21401 PHONE: 410-514-7051 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Attorney Grievance Commission and Office of Bar Counsel Filing a Complaint To File a Complaint: Read the Instructions for Attorney Complaint Form available in English and Spanish. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances. background-size: inherit; } As Maryland's "top lawyer cop," Bar Counsel manages a staff composed of a deputy Bar Counsel, several assistant bar counsel, staff attorneys and investigators. Daniel J. Weishaar, Investigator Twelve members make up the Commission. C. Shea McSpaden, Assistant Bar Counsel GREEN, Charles Lamont Indefinite Suspension by Consent on April 4, 2013, effective June 1, 2013, for failing to maintain unearned fees in his trust account, for failing to promptly return the unearned portion of a fee, for commingling funds, for the unauthorized use of trust funds, for failing to maintain accurate client matter records and for failing to respond to requests for information from Bar Counsel. Annapolis, Maryland, United States Investigate allegations of professional misconduct and violations of the Maryland . What Are The Semap Indicators, background-size: contain; The Office of Bar Counsel investigates and, where indicated, prosecutes attorneys whose conduct violates the Maryland Attorneys Rules of Professional Conduct as well as those engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. DIXON, Isaiah, III - Disbarred by Consent on February 1, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for failure to act with reasonable diligence, failure to communicate with his clients, failure to safekeep clients property by commingling his personal funds with funds held in his escrow account on behalf of clients and intentional misappropriation of client funds. Respondent made the requested changes that included naming himself as personal representative and residuary beneficiary. It is appointed by the Attorney Grievance Commission after notification to the appropriate bar association and the general public. 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. 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.! The Commission will begin its search for a new Bar Counsel shortly. Raymond A. Hein, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel McGLADE, Henry Donald, Jr. The Fund reimburses clients and third-parties for losses (not recoverable from other sources) caused by misuse of client money. Serving as personal representative in public charges following revocation of a Conditional Agreement! 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