A Conflict Of interest

The Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge has imposed a 30-day suspension followed by probation of an attorney who had engaged in a rather obvious conflict of interest — representing the biological parents and the prospective adopting parents in a adoption proceeding.

The child’s paternal great aunt had been the child’s caregiver since infancy and also was the apppinted guardian.  She had sought to adopt the child.

The attorney sought to have the great aunt removed as guardian and have another couple (related to the mother) adopt the child.

The court awarded sanctions against the attorney to the great aunt. The award was discharged in the attorney’s bankruptcy. The attorney must pay the award as part of the disciplinary sanctions. (Mike Frisch)