Good Deeds Do Not Prevent Disbarment

“Extraordinary good character” did not save an attorney from disbarment per the report and recommendation of the California State Bar Court Hearing Department

Respondent demonstrated extraordinary good character attested to in letters from eight people, representing a wide range of references in the legal and general communities, who are aware of the full extent of the misconduct. Respondents character witnesses also discussed respondent volunteering his time to coach for local softball and baseball teams, and his 30-year involvement with The Kiwanis Club, including volunteering three months of his time to travel to each of the 48 continental states and present at over 60 Kiwanis clubs to raise money, in conjunction with UNICEF to eliminate tetanus throughout the world, and respondent’s creation of the “Fly a Flag for a Veteran” project, which raised funds to sponsor Christmas Holiday dimers and gifts for the Glendale Veterans Home, and helped set up interest—free loans for veterans in need.

Misconduct

By receiving $95,000 to hold in his client trust account on behalf of the Weidemoyer Estate, and then taking $80,159.04 as fees without first informing the coun of the $95,000 and obtaining court approval to take a fee, when he knew that court approval was required, respondent willfully and intentionally misappropriated funds that respondent held in trust for the benefit of the Weidemoyer Estate.

(Mike Frisch)