Heavier Discipline Imposed

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the recommendation of its Disciplinary Board for a year and a day suspension and imposed a three-year suspension in a case involving misconduct both related to and outside the practice of law. Both the proposed and imposed suspensions were made retroactive to a 2006 interim suspension.

The client-related violations took place in three matters. The attorney had accepted fees, not performed the work and falsely assured clients that the matters were progressing. She also had engaged in unauthorized practice after the interim suspension.

The other misconduct involved five arrests and four convictions for alcohol-related driving offenses. In one instance, she presented false identification (posing as her own sister) and was convicted and sentenced under the sister’s name. She received a favorable disposition as a first offender. The matter came to light when the sister was unable to renew her insurance, leading to a criminal conviction for forgery and identity theft. She failed to report the convictions to the bar as required by Pennsylvania rules.

The Board found the misconduct was caused by alcoholism and that the lawyer was making excellent progress in recovery. The attorney was remorseful and had had no prior discipline. The report is attached to the court order. As in all the Pennsylvania matters that I have reviewed, the court did not in any manner elaborate on its reasons for rejecting the proposed discipline. (Mike Frisch)