A Partnership That Ended In Dual Disbarment

An announcement from the Arizona State Bar.

The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court accepted a consent to disbarment for Sheldon I. Goldstein and Michelle J. Scopellite, partners at Goldstein & Scopellite in Dallas. The disciplinary action is a result of allegations stemming from client-reported billing irregularities.

Eleven clients and three employees complained of questionable billing practices by Goldstein and Scopellite. Clients reported excessive and unreasonable fees.

While the pair dispute and deny allegations made against them, they did not wish to proceed with formal proceedings nor contest the charges due to health concerns. They also participated in the Bar’s Fee Arbitration Program. In every Fee Arbitration case Goldstein and Scopellite participated in, they reduced their fee prior to the settlement or hearing.

Sheldon I. Goldstein and Michelle J. Scopellite’s disbarments were effective Sept. 18, 2018.  Goldstein was ordered to pay $2,192.79 and to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expenses associated with the investigation and Scopellite was ordered to pay $2,195.49.

The consents do not identify the misconduct. (Mike Frisch)