Two Divorces, One Disbarment

The New Hampshire Supreme Court disbarred an attorney for misappropriation of funds entrusted in connection with the representation of a client in a divorce case. The accused attorney had been in a law partnership with her husband and the misconduct occurred in the midst of the breakup of their marriage. The lawyer-husband sought a lien against the proceeds of the litigation. The lawyer-wife had opposing counsel transfer the proceeds to her escrow account and converted the payment into travelers checks. Thereafter, the money was used for the lawyer’s own purposes. In the disciplinary case, the lawyer claimed to have the client’s authorization, but that contention was rejected. The court also did not consider delay in the disciplinary case as a mitigating factor. (Mike Frisch)