Convicted Lobbyist Reinstated

A prominent Maryland lobbyist who had been convicted of mail and wire fraud was ordered reinstated to Pennsylvania practice by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The criminal case involved a scheme with a Maryland state representative to falsely indicate an intention to introduce legislation that would adversely affect the lobbyist’s client and “was simply a ploy enabling [the lobbyist/lawyer] to earn excessive fees from certain clients.” The conviction and sentence took place in 2000.

One of the witnesses in the reinstatement proceeding was Baltimore Orioles majority owner Peter Angelos, who considers the petitioner “to have a first rate legal mind and…is held in high regard by the legislators.” The Disciplinary Board cited Angelos’ opinion as “persuasive testimony.”

Reinstatement was deemed appropriate because “[h]e expressed regret for his criminal involvement and has implemented safeguards to avoid any such problems in the future. Due to his past misconduct Petitioner has resolved to be more circumspect in his dealings with those he lobbies.” (Mike Frisch)