“Side Practice” Leads To Disbarment

The Maryland Court of Appeals has disbarred a University of Michigan Law graduate who had worked at a number of law firms since his admission to practice. He ended up at a Maryland law firm that had two equity partners.

The misconduct involved his “side practice” that involved taking cases and fees outside of the firm’s system. He deposited fees in his personal account (thereby violating the safekkeping property rule) and  misappropriated legal fees. The diversion of fees was found to be criminal and dishonest conduct. (Mike Frisch)