Protect Confidential Information

An attorney who had been disbarred in Missouri received identical reciprocal discipline in Colorado. He allowed a person with whom he was romantically involved to have access to his office and client files. The paramour used this access to steal the drivers license and birth certificate of a client. Thereafter, the lawyer paid off the ensuing credit charges and failed to advise the client of the identity theft. Missouri found that the lawyer had violated Rule 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation). The lawyer did not contest the imposition of reciprocal discipline, but did offer to retire or surrender his license to save the Colorado court the time and trouble of proceeding against him. The court declined the offer. (Mike Frisch)