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 . BROWN, Linda Markey Commission Reprimand for filing numerous pleadings and ancillary filings with the Court, on which she signed her clients name purported to be under oath, at the clients request, but failed to initial or otherwise clarify to the Court that they were not her clients actual signature. Respondent violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5 and 8.4(a), (c) & (d). The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. 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. Respondent took no steps to correct the erroneous accident date in the civil complaint. 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). 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. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. Terms of Use/Disclaimer, Supreme Court (formerly the Court of Appeals), Appellate Court (formerly the Court of Special Appeals), Please note that the "ALL" years option takes more time, Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building, Supreme Court of Maryland: 410-260-1500 800-926-2583 TTY 410-260-1554, Appellate Court of Maryland: 410-260-1450. Unreported opinions filed from May 1, 2015 to present are available on this page. 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. SCOTT, Karen - Commission reprimand for lack a of competence, lack of diligence, failure to communicate with her client. 543, 318 A.2d 811 (1974), we disbarred an attorney for willful evasion of income taxes. KEPPLE, Cristine Ada Indefinite Suspension on June 21, 2013, Per Curiam Order and Opinion, effective immediately (with the right to apply for reinstatement no sooner than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the Order) for knowingly concealing her state of residence from her law school in order to receive the benefit of in-state tuition at that institution. PARKER, Virgil D. - Disbarred because he defrauded his clients. FRIEDMAN, Mark Howard Disbarred by Consent on April 19, 2013, for misappropriating escrow funds maintained by his law firm in connection with foreclosure actions. 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. Slip opinions are subject to change. The Maryland Judiciary provides this information as a public service. This was a reciprocal disciplinary action arising from Respondents Reprimand in Texas. 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. 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. 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. 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. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions, 10-306. OLER, Carren Susan Indefinite Suspension by Consent on October 17, 2012, for failing to represent her client with reasonable diligence and promptness, for failing to communicate with her client regarding the status of her case, for failing to refund the unearned portion of her advance retainer to her client upon termination of the representation, for failing to maintain her unearned fees in escrow, and for failing to respond to requests for information by Bar Counsel. Maryland Attorneys FY10 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure. Appellant, Karin Kendrick, applied for a public adjuster license with the Maryland Insurance Administration ("MIA"). FY11 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure 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. 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. Michael W. Blow, Jr., Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel Bus. 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 16-711). - Reprimanded for failure to clearly communicate with his client. 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). JOHNSON, Nathaniel D. - Suspended for 30 days by consent for lack of diligence and lack of communication. 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. 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. For more information, or to determine if an attorney has been reinstated, please contact the Attorney Grievance Commission at (410) 514-7051. 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. - 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). They found that by creating a nation, a symbol,a legal unity called the United States, they could take over land, profits, and political power fromfavorites of the British Empire. . - Commission Reprimand. To learn more about the Commission and Office of Bar Counsel and their responsibilities, browse through our web pages. 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. of the State Government Article, the opinions and orders posted on this webpage on or after July 1, 2018 are the official and authentic versions of the text of Appellate Court opinions and orders. The Courts August 14, 2009 Order makes an Indefinite Suspension the final disposition of the case. GU, Yu Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent representation and failing to keep her client reasonably informed about the status of an immigration case. ALLEN, Sonja Lavita Commission Reprimand for failing to deposit unearned fees in trust. 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. The Commission charged respondent with violating MRPC 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees . Terms of Use/Disclaimer. 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. HAAS, Richard J. This is an appeal from an action for judicial review of an administrative agency decision. TULLEY, Harold Joseph - Disbarred by Consent on September 1, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for filing a perjurious affidavit and failure to exercise diligence in representing bankruptcy clients. SELLERS, John William Reprimand by Consent on August 24, 2012, for failing to provide competent representation, for failing to communicate with his client and for failing to obtain approval of two letter agreements without his clients informed consent before issuing the letter agreements. GUIDA, Sharon Louise Disbarred by Consent on October 23, 2012, effective thirty (30) days thereafter, for signing multiple individuals names to various documents filed with the Register of Wills without authorization. A dispute arose between the Conservator and some beneficiaries of the Estate with respect to whether or not an agreement existed for the sale of the law practice, now to be determined by the Circuit Court. POLITZER, Milton A. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. REINHARDT, Richard J. WALKER-TURNER, John Wayne Sixty (60) day Suspension on August 22, 2012, effective immediately, for lack of competence, failing to act with reasonable diligence, failing to appear at a trial, failing to adequately communicate and account to his client and for engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. GLESSNER, Stephen A. Term, 2012. BROWN, Michael T. Indefinite Suspension by Consent on December 12, 2012, effective thirty (30) days from the date thereafter, for failing to represent his client with reasonable diligence and competence. GREENBELT A 57-year-old former attorney from Lothian was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison Tuesday for a scheme to defraud her clients of more than $840,000, U.S. Attorney Rod. Dismissal With Warnings. 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. Maryland Judiciary His conduct violated the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.1, 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a)(2) and (a)(3), 1.15, 3.3(a) and 8.4(b), (c) and (d); Maryland Rule of Procedure 16-604; and Md. PORTER, William N. - Disbarred by consent for failure to diligently represent his client, failure to appear in court, failure to deposit a retainer fee into escrow and failure to return an unearned fee. 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. MONROE, Monica Arrington (a/k/a MONROE, Monica Marie and a/k/a ARRINGTON, Monica) - Commission Reprimand resulting from her representation of a clients Chapter 13 bankruptcy case and another clients case (during which time she left the country due to her husbands military commitment) in which she failed to act with reasonable diligence, failed to conclude the work, upon termination of representation she failed to take steps reasonably practicable to protect a clients interests, such as reasonable notice, time for employment of other counsel, surrendering papers and property to the client and refunding any advance payment of fee or expense not earned or incurred, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4(a)(2) & (3), 1.4(b) and 1.16(d). Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. LEE, Norman J., III - Reprimanded for failure to communicate and lack of diligence. 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. (r) . 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. 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. 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. GREENBERG, Larry S. - Commission Reprimand for engaging in professional misconduct while serving as attorney for the personal representative of a decedents estate opened in Prince Georges County in which he failed to appear before the Orphans Court on three occasions for show cause hearings scheduled by that tribunal to determine why a final account of the estate had not yet been filed. e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov, PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE Bus. The Respondents Affidavit of Consent in the District of Columbia is under Seal. All rights reserved. RUDDY, JOSEPH CORNELIUS, JR. - Reprimand on October 6, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, for violation of Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. KWARTENG, Charles O. Commission Reprimand for failing to safekeep his clients property, for commingling funds and for the unauthorized use of trust funds. 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). Occ. credit investigation; (4) grievance investigation; (5) study of . 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 TYNES, Erika A. 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. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, CMS's own actuary, and the Congressional Budget Office, each estimate that Medicare Advantage plans are overpaid. SHARMA, Onkar Nath Commission Reprimand for knowingly disobeying a court order by failing to appear at a hearing on behalf of his client. 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. SEIDLER, Samuel A. In February 2019, the Supreme Court denied a petition brought by Katherine McKee, one of the women that accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault, which claimed that Cosby had leaked a letter that permanently damaged her reputation, and had sought civil action against Cosby on this matter. Whether expressed in a letter or on a form supplied by the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Commission refers each complaint to Bar Counsel upon receipt. FY15 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure PRELLER, Steven B. 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. WATSON, Joe Donald, Jr. Thirty (30) day Suspension by Consent on August 1, 2012, effective immediately, for failure to maintain his clients retainer in an attorney trust account until earned, failure to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the matter, and upon termination of the representation, failure to issue a prompt refund of the unearned fee. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP 65 Memorial Road Suite C340 West Hartford, CT 06107-2434 United States - Suspended indefinitely by consent for impermissible direct contact with a prospective client and conflict of interest. Maryland Manual On-Line Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. 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. His conduct specifically violated MRPC Rules 4.1(a)(1) and 4.4(a). Lester. Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) AGATSTEIN, David - Commission reprimand for ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with his clients asylum petitions. Update Now Raleigh Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer Overview Richard Boyette is a partner in the Raleigh office of the firm who has enjoyed a broad civil litigation practice throughout his career. 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. FARBER, Mindy G. - Commission reprimand for giving misleading and inaccurate advise to a client. 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. Code Ann., Business Occupations & Professions Article, 10-304 and 10-306. Attorney Grievance Commission Appointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission oversees the attorney grievance process. 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. EVANS, Matthew S., Jr. - Disbarred by consent as a result of a criminal conviction of fraud. GORDON, Lowell J. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP ONE BRYANT PARK NEW YORK, NY 10036 Photo by Diane F. Evartt. Maryland Municipalities MANCE, Robert Weston, III Indefinite Suspension on December 3, 2012, effective immediately (with the right to reapply no sooner than his unconditional readmission to the Bar of the District of Columbia) by Per Curiam Order, as a reciprocal matter relating to Respondents District of Columbia 6-month suspension for numerous ethics violations. & Prof. Code Ann., 10-304. 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. This list is updated on a monthly basis. 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! VARES, Christopher K. - Indefinite Suspension by Consent on August 14, 2009 by the Court of Appeals. Andrew Avram has handled workers' compensation matters for employers and workers' compensation carriers since joining the firm in 1990. After reviewing Ms. Kendrick's application, the MIA issued her a denial letter pursuant to 10-404(b) . FY19 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure He directed later-paid escrow funds to be used to cover the obligations of which the previously escrowed funds should have been used. It also supervises the inactive status of lawyers and monitors nonmembers of the Maryland Bar who practice in Maryland. He has never repaid complainants client for the money he owes him, in spite of promises to do so. - Suspended indefinitely by consent for misappropriation of investors monies. FY08 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure All rights reserved. BLEECKER, Lorin Henry - Disbarred by the Court of Appeals on May 12, 2010 for misconduct arising from his representation of a personal injury client. HINISH, Lorn William - Commission Reprimand for his involvement in a bar fight that resulted in a criminal jury trial and a conviction of Second Degree Assault, which conduct Respondent agrees was prejudicial to the administration of justice and was conduct likely to reflect negatively on the image of the legal profession, in violation of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(d). GEDE, James A. KWARTENG, Charles Owusu - Disbarred on December 10, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for incompetent representation of his client by failure to prepare and answer Interrogatories, respond to a Motion for Sanctions and preserve clients right of appeal one of his matters; failure to communicate with client concerning legal matters; lack of diligence; failure to communicate with and keep client informed; abandonment of representation of his client by failure to pursue clients cases; conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice by failure to take action in clients cases; and knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand for information to Bar Counsel; in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), 8.4(d) and 8.1(b). 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. 243, 131 A.2d 729 (1957), we disbarred an attorney for inserting slugs into parking meters. 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. Generation J.D. On 2/24/04 a letter was sent on Respondents office letterhead to Complainant which appears to have been signed by Respondent asking her to complete the enclosed Answer form and return it to Respondents office for filing with the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County. CACERES, Carlos H. - Disbarred by consent for misappropriation of attorney fees, misrepresentation to clients, creating fraudulent court documents, and failure to act with diligence and failing to communicate with his clients. By: Madeleine O'Neill March 30, 2022. - Commission Reprimand for assisting a non-lawyer in the unauthorized practice of law. Respondent did not question his clients inconsistencies represented to the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County and the Superior Court for the District of Columbia or otherwise attempt to determine the accuracy of the information contained in the First Complaint. PAGE, Alfred Amos, Jr. Disbarred on March 5, 2013, for intentional misrepresentations of facts to his client, the Court of Appeals, and Bar Counsel as well as misappropriation of unearned client funds. Opinion by Bell, C.J. Receive free daily summaries of new opinions from the Maryland Court of Appeals. Lydia E. Lawless, Esq., Bar Counsel (chosen by Commission with approval of Supreme Court of Maryland) RGGI says it is a market-based effort to cap and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. SEIDLER, Samuel A. WEISS, Randy A. Her conduct violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.4, 8.1(a) and 8.4(a), (c) & (d). 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. - Disbarred for settling a clients case without authority, forging the clients signature on the settlement check, misappropriated funds belonging to two clients, and lying under oath to Bar Counsel. - 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). THERIAULT, Michael J. Pursuant to a plea agreement in that matter on August 17, 2009 the State entered a nolle prosequi of the charges in return for his agreement to consent to disbarment. When ordered to appear before the Judge to explain his absence, he appeared late and offered the Court an explanation that was untrue. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions, 10-306. This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. SNIFFEN, Kevin Edward Disbarred by Consent on August 15, 2012, for the unauthorized use of trust funds. - Reprimanded by consent for failure to appear at trials and failure to prepare his clients case for trial. If an attorney attempts to file the forms on the inmate's behalf, the prison rejects them. His conduct was in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and (b) and Maryland Rules 16-604 and 16-607. FY14 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure - Commission reprimand for attempting to obtain an unreasonable fee. - Commission Reprimand relating to Respondents representation of a complaint for racial discrimination against Complainants employer in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Misc. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. NEEB, Kimberly Ann - Suspended for One year, One day, effective October 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, for violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 8.4(b), based upon a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents suspension in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and is subject to the reinstatement of Respondent to the Pennsylvania Bar by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. KELL, Mark E. - Commission reprimand for incompetent handling of an estate matter. 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. Annual Report, FY2019. Information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. CHAVERS, Clayborne E., Sr. Commission Reprimand for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law on several occasions by entering his appearance in Maryland courts where he was not admitted to practice law. FLECK, Conrad L. Commission Reprimand for failing to take reasonably necessary protective action when his client was at risk of financial harm. COSTANZO, Frank M. - Disbarred on February 9, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for lack of competence, failure to carry out clients instructions, lack of diligence and failure to communicate with client; criminal act that reflects adversely on his honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; and misappropriation of client funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 8.4(b), (c) & (d) and Maryland Rule 16-609 and Maryland Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions Article, 10-306. 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. - Commission Reprimand for his representation of a Complainant in a custody case in which the Complainant was found in default, the Respondent failed to ensure his complete understanding of the primary reason for his retention and therefore prepared pleadings and discovery requests which were not calculated to serve the clients best interests. RODMAN, Yale Dale Commission Reprimand for engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice when, acting as counsel for plaintiff, he left voice messages for the Complainant that insulted his heritage in a mock accent and other inappropriate remarks. SIDLE, Barton J. Respondent did not participate in the hearing or address the Court. MARSALEK, Stephen F. - Suspended for 30 days by consent for failing to communicate, conflict of interest and failure to properly supervise non-lawyer employees. NOVELLI, Allison Elizabeth Disbarred by Consent on October 9, 2012, for embezzling funds that were entrusted to her from her title company. Docket AG No. FY18 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure Annual Report, FY2018. The non-lawyer was retained to re-open an estate and with Respondents consent, used his name as attorney for that estate. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC). CHRISTMAS, Patrick J. HUNT, Mark Edward - Disbarred on December 4, 2012, effective immediately, Per Curiam Order. 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. (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). 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 reported opinions posted here on or before June 30, 2018, the final official text of the reported opinion is found in the bound Maryland Reports and Maryland Appellate Reports. 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. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies Maryland Attorneys FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure | Maryland Courts 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 Counsel Maryland Attorneys FY06 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure MILTON, Gregory J. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies, Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards. ALIVIZATOS, Constandin - Indefinite Suspension on December 16, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for lack of competence in handling settlements, failure to keep attorney trust account records, failure to maintain client monies in the trust account, commingling of funds and misuse of trust money through negligence, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.15, 8.4(a) and Maryland Rules 16-606.1, 16-607 and 16-609. He advised the court orally on May 12, 2008 that he would not be filing an opposition. PEKLO, Gary Stewart Commission Reprimand for having drafted a will in which he was named as personal representative and in which he was granted a significant bequest that he disbursed to himself. In December, 2008 he issued a check to pay a personal obligation. HOLMES, Stephen John - Disbarred by Consent on September 1, 2009 for misappropriation of client funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 8.4(c) and (d), 16-607 and 16-609, and Md. 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) and (d) and Maryland Rule 16-607. This was a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents disbarment in the District of Columbia. HOOVER-HANKERSON, Celicia - Disbarred by Consent on October 19, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for conviction of criminal charges involving submitting false invoices to the Court in the District of Columbia for payment of witnesses, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 8.4(b) and (d). 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. 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. FY23 Sanctions and Actions Affecting LicensureNew Decided: August 20, 2013 BARBERA, C.J., HARRELL, BATTAGLIA, GREENE, ADKINS, McDONALD and *Bell, JJ. McCARTHY, Robert Michael Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent and diligent representation as Temporary Guardian of the property of his Ward. WEST, Brian Grayson - Disbarred on October 6, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for intentional misappropriation of trust funds, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.8(a), 1.15, 8.4(b), (c) and (d) and Business Occupations and Professions Article, 10-306. Your state attorney general. FADER, Joel Jay Disbarred on May 6, 2013, for commingling personal funds in his trust account, for the unauthorized use of trust funds, for making misrepresentations to an administrative judge, for failing to correct said misrepresentations and for failing to ensure that the conduct of a non-lawyer employee, whom he had direct supervisory authority over, was compatible with his professional obligations. He withdrew his clients Petition for Caveat without authority, forever barring her claim. - Disbarred by Consent on September 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, effective thirty (30) days after the date of the Order. 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. Reinstated on May 6, 2008. Opinion by Raker, J. Florida. they use temp services - Answered by a verified Employment Lawyer . HARDING, Supriya Miriam Disbarred by Consent on January 2, 2013, effective immediately, for failing to represent her clients with reasonable diligence and promptness, for failing to communicate with her clients concerning the status of their matters, for failing to maintain unearned fees in escrow and for failing to respond to requests for information by Bar Counsel. McCARTHY, Robert Michael - Commission Reprimand for failing to provide competent and diligent representation as Temporary Guardian of the property of his Ward. All members of the Hotline are practicing attorneys or judges. All rights reserved. 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