35, Sept. ALLISON, Richard Wayne II - Disbarred by the Court of Appeals on June 4, 2010 based upon a reciprocal disciplinary matter in which he was disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia after he pled guilty to committing mail and wire fraud by participating in a scheme to defraud homeowners and mortgage lenders, in violation of Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b), (c) and (d), and 18 U.S.C. For opinions filed prior to May 1, 2015, only a reference to the decision is available. THOMAS, C. Trent - 60-day Suspension on April 20, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for failure to provide diligent and competent representation to clients involved in proceedings at which he failed to appear, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 and 1.3. 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. Unreported opinions filed from May 1, 2015 to present are available on this page. Respondents conduct violates Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(a) and (d). Commission Reprimand for failing to adequately communicate with his client, failing to file a claim on behalf of his client prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations and for engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. - Suspended indefinitely for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation and neglecting a legal matter for over three years. 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. RGGI says it is a market-based effort to cap and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This was a reciprocal disciplinary action arising from Respondents Reprimand in Texas. Although Bar Counsel may initiate the grievance process based on information from other sources, most complaints against attorneys are filed by disgruntled clients. ROSE, Shaun H.M. - Suspended indefinitely for failing to act competently, failing to abide by his clients representation objectives, failing to act diligently, failing to keep his client reasonably informed, not depositing fees in an attorney trust account, failing to keep client funds separate from his own funds, failing to promptly return unearned fees, and failing to respond to reasonable demands for information made by Bar Counsel. 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. LOGAN, William M. - Disbarred for abandoning representation of a client, attempting to engage in the unauthorized practice of law and failing to respond to Bar Counsel. FRIEDMAN, Mark Howard Disbarred by Consent on April 19, 2013, for misappropriating escrow funds maintained by his law firm in connection with foreclosure actions. PARKER, Virgil D. - Disbarred because he defrauded his clients. Maryland Counties DONOVAN, William Carpenter, Jr. Disbarred by Consent on August 17, 2012, because he embezzled fees from the law firm that employed him and because he abandoned a clients bankruptcy case. e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov. SILVERMAN, Leslie Dana - 60-day Suspension, effective 30 days from the date of the Order dated December 8, 2009 (beginning January 7, 2010) by the Court of Appeals as reciprocal discipline corresponding to her 60-day Suspension in Virginia effective June 1, 2009, which involved two separate complaints, one of which also was filed with the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission. Commission Reprimand for failure to provide competent representation and to be reasonably diligent. 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. - Disbarred on December 4, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, for violating Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b), (c) and (d), Maryland Rule 16-609 and Md. 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 . JOE, Isaac Jr. - Reprimanded by consent for failure to communicate with his client, failing to diligently pursue his clients matter, and failing to respond to Bar Counsel. 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. MURPHY, Brian P. - Commission Reprimand for lack of competence and failure to safekeep property in his representation, as trustee from 2003 to 2008 he failed to maintain adequate records in handling estate assets, thereby impairing the ability of his successor to take over the trusts and failed to give tenants appropriate notice required by law when the trust purchased an interest in an apartment building, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 and 1.15(a). This list is updated on a monthly basis. 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. REPORTS (MANDATED) Annual Report to Court of Appeals on Disciplinary Fund & disciplinary system due Sept. 1 (Maryland Rule 19-702). 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). BURKHARDT, John K. Indefinite Suspension by Consent on October 5, 2012, for failing to complete the representation of his client, for failing to adequately communicate with his client, for failing to return his clients file, for misrepresenting to his client the status of the case and for failing to respond to lawful requests for information by Bar Counsel. FY13 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure SNIFFEN, Kevin Edward Disbarred by Consent on August 15, 2012, for the unauthorized use of trust funds. The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. Econsumer.gov, if your purchase was with a foreign retailer. Bus. In December, 2008 he issued a check to pay a personal obligation. This was a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents disbarment in the District of Columbia. HYATT, Jack I. LOWERY-CLUGSTON, Noah Thomas - Disbarred by Consent on May 7, 2013, for failing to provide competent and diligent representation, for failing to adequately communicate with his clients, for abandoning his law practice, for failing to deposit and maintain unearned fees in trust until earned and for failing to respond to lawful requests for information from Bar Counsel. There is 1 Attorney General per 2,534,805 people, and 1 Attorney General per 6,702 square miles. He failed to expedite litigation and to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the matter. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP 65 Memorial Road Suite C340 West Hartford, CT 06107-2434 United States LEE, Christopher M. - Suspended indefinitely by consent for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The Maryland Judiciary provides this information as a public service. BENNETT, Brian Douglas Commission Reprimand for conflicts of interest and for failure to withdraw from the case on a timely basis. ROBATON, David M. - Indefinite Suspended on November 16, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for failure to enter an appearance with the Bankruptcy Court when required to do so, unauthorized practice before the Bankruptcy Court, failure to represent his client with competence and diligence and failure to disclose his compensation to the court as required under the Bankruptcy Rules, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 3.3(a)(1), 5.5(a), 8.4(c) and (d). Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. - Commission Reprimand for failure to abide by his clients instruction to file a law suit against Cecil County and its contractor, for failure to advise his client that he had elected not to file suit when he knew his client believed that he had filed suit and for failure to respond to requests for information from Bar Counsel, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(a) and 8.1(b). they use temp services - Answered by a verified Employment Lawyer . It also supervises the inactive status of lawyers and monitors nonmembers of the Maryland Bar who practice in Maryland. HUNT, Mark Edward - Disbarred on December 4, 2012, effective immediately, Per Curiam Order. Terms of Use/Disclaimer. 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. Appellant, Karin Kendrick, applied for a public adjuster license with the Maryland Insurance Administration ("MIA"). STROUSE, James C. - Reprimand by Consent on September 15, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for lack of competence in preparing a power of attorney for an elderly client, naming a long-time client as the attorney-in-fact and thereafter suing the elderly client on behalf of the long-time client, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.1 and 8.4(d). In Attorney Grievance Commission v. Agnew, 271 Md. All rights reserved. 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. He has extensive experience at all levels of workers' compensation litigation including mediations, hearings at the Deputy Commissioner and Full Commission level, and Court of Appeals. - Disbarred for misappropriation and spousal abuse. Maryland Attorneys FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure. 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. MAIGNAN, Peter R. - Suspended indefinitely for misappropriation of client funds. MILTON, Gregory J. The Maryland Court of Appeals Opinion dated February 25, 2013, cited reasons for the sanction. FY18 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure Maryland Departments Court of Appeals Opinion to follow when received. LEATHERMAN, Jennifer L. - Indefinite Suspension by Consent on August 25, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for failure to place unearned fees into an escrow account and for commingling of unearned fees in her operating account. FY20 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure Respondent did not participate in the hearing or address the Court. Respondents failure to appear in response to duly issued notices constituted conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice in violation of Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(d). 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, March 2020. LUXENBERG, Deborah Y. The Courts August 14, 2009 Order makes an Indefinite Suspension the final disposition of the case. ANSELMO, Pamela Jo - Reprimanded by consent for allowing false information on her firm letterhead and failure to respond to Bar Counsel. HUTCHISON-SMITH, Erin - Disbarred by Consent on April 1, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for misappropriating fees from two law firms while employed as an associate, which conduct violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a), 8.1(b) and 8.4(b), (c) & (d). GORDON, Lowell J. Summary of this case from Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Mooney THOMPSON, Donald Benson, III Disbarred by Consent on February 21, 2013, for misappropriating funds belonging to the law firm that was his employer. HARDWICK, Clifford L. - Commission Reprimand for failing to obtain the client's informed consent to a potential conflict of interest, in violation of Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7. BELLAMY, Denise Leona Ninety (90) day Suspension by Consent on September 11, 2012, effective thirty (30) days thereafter, for failure to provide diligent representation and upon termination of representation, for failure to refund any advance payment of fees or expenses not earned or incurred. HUNTER, Deairich Ray - Disbarred on November 6, 2009, effective immediately, by Court of Appeals as reciprocal discipline corresponding to his disbarment in the District of Columbia for failure to pay medical providers pursuant to assignments, improperly withdrawing funds from his escrow account, failure to maintain client funds in escrow, settlement of a case without the clients consent and making misrepresentations. 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. FY21 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure He also pled guilty to violating Criminal Law, 7-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland for theft under $500. The Respondents Affidavit of Consent in the District of Columbia is under Seal. Terms of Use/Disclaimer. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies WINGERTER, Rex B. On 9/9/03 Respondent attended a hearing on the Second Complaint at which his client testified, in his presence, to questions from the Court that he had been a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia. PEER REVIEW PANELS All rights reserved. ODeNEAL, Ramsdale, Jr. - Indefinite Suspension on December 17, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for violating Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 and 1.4 in connection with his representation in a criminal case. ROSENBERG, Keith A. Maryland at a Glance, Search the Manual ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHRYOCK, Charles III - Suspended indefinitely for commingling, lack of competence and lack of diligence due to disability. WHITEHEAD, H. Allen - Suspended indefinitely for taking attorneys fees prior to court approval in an estate matter. He knowingly failed to disclose this information to Bar Counsel. 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. 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. 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). Law Firm Info Reviews 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. GITOMER, Mark Lawrence Disbarred by Consent on August 1, 2012, for failing to represent his clients with reasonable diligence and promptness, for failing to communicate with the clients about the status of their matters, for failing to maintain his unearned fees in escrow and for misappropriating funds from his escrow account. WITHERSPOON, Gordon H. - Commission reprimand for engaging in the practice of law while inactive and improper use of Orphans Court letterhead. While appointed as Conservator of the client affairs of a deceased attorney which led to subsequent negotiations with the attorney for the decedents Estate to purchase the law practice, the terms of which were memorialized in a letter, but the Estate never signed an agreement and the sale was never approved by the Court. MARCALUS, Jeffrey S. - 60-day Suspension (beginning 30 days after the date of the Opinion) by the Court of Appeals on May 18, 2010 for engaging in criminal conduct, prostitution, solicitation of prostitution and distributing a controlled dangerous substance, that adversely reflected on his honesty, trustworthiness and/or fitness to practice in other respects and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b) and (d). The Conservator continued his service and acted pursuant to the terms he believed to be the agreement for the purchase of the law practice, and consistent with the agreement, periodically remitted fees to the Estate which were accepted. Commission Reprimand for failing to make reasonable efforts to ensure the firm had in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that all lawyers in the firm conform to the Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct. PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE 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. His conduct was in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and (b) and Maryland Rules 16-604 and 16-607. - Disbarred by consent for misappropriation of client funds. 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. 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. If there is an adjudication that an enforceable purchase agreement exists for the sale of the law practice, then he is in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 16-777 by failing to obtain court approval prior to the sale. Florida. 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. WEISS, Randy A. WEIKAL, Wendy K. (aka WEIKAL, Wendy Beachat) Disbarred by Consent on April 15, 2013, subsequent to her Interim Suspension on April 9, 2013, as a reciprocal discipline for failing to provide diligent and competent representation, for failing to communicate with her clients, for charging an unreasonable fee and for misappropriating client funds in Maryland and Pennsylvania. VANZEGO, Raymond J. 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. 243, 131 A.2d 729 (1957), we disbarred an attorney for inserting slugs into parking meters. Erin A. Risch, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel Timmons disputed some of the allegations, but acknowledged that there was evidence to prove he violated two rules for lawyers in Maryland, according to a court record summarizing the case. The Commission charged respondent with violating MRPC 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees . This case involves a variation on the notorious practice of "robo-signing," which flourished during the recent foreclosure boom. WEHLAND, Charles - Commission reprimand for lack of competence in an Estate matter and failing to properly supervise non-attorney staff. FY22 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure In carrying out their functions of evaluating complaints and enforcing ethical standards for lawyers, the Commission and Bar Counsel strive for fairness and equity. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, CMS's own actuary, and the Congressional Budget Office, each estimate that Medicare Advantage plans are overpaid. Pursuant to the Maryland Uniform Electronic Legal Materials Act, 10-1601 et seq. 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. On March 1, 2010, the Petitioner, Attorney Grievance Commission, acting through Bar Counsel, brought a Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action ("Petition") against the Respondent, attorney Andre Levell Brady. 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. 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. Respondent violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5 and 8.4(a), (c) & (d). 543, 318 A.2d 811 (1974), we disbarred an attorney for willful evasion of income taxes. HESSON, Robert C. - Disbarred by consent for misconduct including violation of probation following DWI conviction, abandonment of law practice and failure to safeguard client funds in his trust account.
