Carolina On My Blog
Highlights from the North Carolina Quarterly summaries
Mark T. Cummings of Greensboro misrepresented his residency when running for judicial office, instructed a courtroom clerk to issue a note containing false information, failed to issue required Forms 1099 and made related false statements about individuals who provided services to his law firm, and misrepresented the existence of evidence to the presiding judge during a trial. After a hearing, the DHC imposed a five-year suspension with the ability to apply for a stay after three years.
Walter Ramsey Jr. of Timberlake was censured by the Grievance Committee for engaging in a conflict of interest and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. While employed as an assistant district attorney, Ramsey dismissed a speeding citation pending against a close family member in the prosecutorial district where he was employed. Ramsey was aware that his office had a clear policy to notify the elected district attorney in such cases so a conflict prosecutor could take over the case. Ramsey did not disclose his conduct until confronted about the dismissal two months later.
The Grievance Committee reprimanded Greensboro lawyer Barry C. Snyder. Snyder filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former client without the former client’s knowledge or consent. In a separate matter, after consulting with a prospective client, Snyder did not inform the prospective client that he was declining the representation. This failure to communicate misled the prospective client into believing Snyder was pursuing a claim on her behalf. Snyder also failed to respond to the State Bar’s supplemental requests for information.
Christopher S. Shumate of Charlotte was reprimanded by the Grievance Committee for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation that reflects adversely on his fitness as a lawyer and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Shumate falsely stated to multiple people that he represented an estate in a wrongful death action and engaged in settlement negotiations on behalf of the estate without authority to do so.
In 2018, Arnold O. Jones of Goldsboro was suspended by the DHC for five years for conduct resulting in a federal felony conviction for promising and paying gratuity to a public official. In January 2024, Jones petitioned for reinstatement. Finding that he had substantially satisfied the conditions set forth in the Order of Discipline, the Office of Counsel did not object to his reinstatement.
Theodore G. Hale of Wilmington was disbarred by the DHC in 2004. The DHC found that he misappropriated money from his former law partner, charged and collected money from the parents of a criminal defendant he was appointed to represent without telling them that he was obligated to represent their son at state expense, and collected and converted to his own use $15,287.09 in proceeds of an annuity contract. In February 2019, the DHC recommended denial of Hale’s first petition for reinstatement and Hale did not seek council review. On February 20, 2024, Hale filed a notice of voluntary dismissal terminating proceedings on his second petition for reinstatement.
(Mike Frisch)