Substantial Harm

An interim suspension has been ordered by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in the wake of recent complaint filed by the state Bar Association

The complaint alleges that Respondent failed to transfer settlement funds when ordered to do so by the Lincoln County District Court. The complaint also alleges Respondent failed to appear, to respond, to produce records, or to file an application for reimbursement of fees, when directed by the court. According to the complaint, as of the date of the filing of the complaint, the Respondent has not tendered the remaining settlement funds to the Lincoln County District Court, and has ceased communicating with or responding to the OBA. The complaint also alleges significant irregularities with respect to Respondent’s client trust account and personal bank account, and diminishing funds in the client trust account. The OBA seeks an Emergency Order of Interim Suspension of Respondent due to alleged substantial harm posed by her continued practice of law and access to the remaining funds in her client trust account. The OBA requests an Order directing Respondent to preserve all remaining funds in her client trust until a complete audit may be accomplished.

On December 10, 2021, this Court ordered Respondent to show cause why an Order of Immediate Interim Suspension should not be entered, and to show cause why an Order should not be entered prohibiting her from withdrawing funds from her client trust account until an audit. Respondent did not respond.

Upon consideration of the verified complaint and application for immediate interim suspension, and the Respondent’s failure to respond to this Court’s Order to Show Cause, the Court finds that Respondent has committed conduct in violation of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct and that Respondent’s conduct poses an immediate threat of substantial and irreparable public harm, namely harm to her clients’ legal and financial interests.

(Mike Frisch)