Practice Does Not Go Better With Coke

The Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a consent suspension of six months and a day of an attorney who was alleged to have snorted cocaine (and offered some to the client) after a case settlement conference in a custody dispute.

The client contended that the attorney came to the office that morning looking like she had been up all night and ate chocolate cake for breakfast.

Then the client was prepared to testify that she and the attorney were in adjoining bathroom stalls when 

After the conference, the client heard what she thought was someone snorting and then observed white resin under Ms. Brown’s nose. The client would have testified Ms. Brown asked her if she would “like a line,” and days later texted the client, telling her she was in recovery and attends AA (Alcohol Anonymous) and CA (Cocaine Anonymous) meetings. She also texted “I am not trying to defend what I did on Wednesday (at the settlement conference) but I want you to know that I have always had your best interests.” Ms. Brown denied using an illegal substance. The client then filed a bar charge.

When confronted by disciplinary counsel about the client’s complaint, the attorney took the Fifth Amendment on advice of counsel.

The attorney must demonstrate fitness for reinstatement. (Mike Frisch)