A Short Career

The North Dakota Supreme Court has disbarred an attorney

Pilch was admitted to practice law in North Dakota on April 29, 2019. Pilch’s license was suspended October 31, 2022, for failing to comply with continuing education reporting requirements. He did not pay a license fee for 2023, and is not licensed at this time. Pilch has been either suspended or disbarred in five separate matters. See Disciplinary Bd v. Pilch, 2023 ND 161, 994 N.W.2d 417; Disciplinary Bd. v. Pilch, 2023 ND 162, 994 N.W.2d 390; Disciplinary Bd. v. Pilch, 2023 ND 186, 996 N.W.2d 325; and Disciplinary Bd. v. Pilch, 2023 ND 187, 996 N.W.2d 302. Pilch practiced law at Pilch Law Firm in Fargo, North Dakota.

Here

On January 16, 2024, the hearing panel filed default findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations for discipline. Pilch was retained in June 2022 to represent a client in a divorce involving parenting responsibility. The client was not informed of Pilch’s hourly rate and was not provided invoices for services. It is unknown whether Pilch earned the entire retainer. The client informed Pilch the situation was urgent and needed Pilch to move quickly to initiate the divorce. These communications occurred throughout June and July 2022. Pilch did not comply with the client’s wishes. As a result, the client was served first and listed as the defendant rather than the plaintiff in the divorce proceeding. Pilch did not attempt to achieve the client’s objectives regarding parenting arrangements. This failure inhibited the client’s ability to have visitation with the child. Pilch did not make the client aware of motions, and failed to respond to the same. Specifically, Pilch failed to respond to a motion to compel discovery and a motion for contempt, fees, and sanctions. Pilch failed to inform the client of hearings and failed to appear on the client’s behalf. Specifically, Pilch failed to inform the client of or appear at an ex parte emergency order hearing held on November 18, 2022. The client failed to attend the hearing, and as a result, was negatively affected. Pilch did not complete the representation. Pilch has neither refunded any unearned portion of the retainer nor provided the client a copy of the file. The client was required to retain new counsel due to Pilch’s conduct.

(Mike Frisch)