Disbarment Imposed

An attorney’s misconduct in two immigration matters and subsequent failure to cooperate with Bar Counsel’s investigation has led to disbarment by the Maryland Court of Appeals

Respondent failed to satisfy the professional standards of competence, diligence, and communication by failing to deposit and maintain Ms. He’s and Ms. Von-Jackson’s funds in an attorney trust account, failing to answer and propound discovery, and failing to adequately respond to her clients’ communications, opposing and successor counsel’s communications, and Bar Counsel’s requests.

…Respondent exhibited multiple acts of dishonesty in violation of section (c) of MARPC 19-308.4. “This Court has consistently found misappropriation of client funds and deceit to constitute a violation of [MARPC 19-308.4].” Gallagher, 371 Md. at 712, 810 A.2d at 1019 (citations omitted). Respondent knowingly and intentionally misappropriated Ms. He’s funds by re-depositing a check. Respondent knowingly and intentionally misrepresented to Ms. Von-Jackson that she had an extension for discovery. Respondent knowingly and intentionally misrepresented to successor counsel that she did not receive discovery documents from Ms. Von-Jackson, when Respondent had received the documents almost three months prior. Respondent knowingly and intentionally misappropriated Ms. Von-Jackson’s funds by collecting $2,000 without providing any services of value or a refund.

(Mike Frisch)