Blurred Lines

A consented-to six-month suspension was approved by the Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge

The Agreement describes in detail the factual background for the conditionally admitted violations of Rule 41(b)(7), Ariz. R. Sup. Ct., and Rule 42, Ariz. R. Sup. Ct., ER 1.8(j). Mr. Ylvisaker engaged in a conflict of interest by having an inappropriate sexual relationship with his family law client.

Notably

Mr. Ylvisaker has been administratively suspended for non-payment of dues since June 11, 2024. The Agreement states that he has closed his law practice, “with the intent of retiring as a result of personal health concerns.” Upon receiving his former client’s bar charge, Mr. Ylvisaker immediately apologized and told her that, “[t]he fault and responsibility for blurring the lines rests solely with me and I should never have become personally involved with you.” He also refunded all fees.

The PDJ concludes that the agreed-upon sanction is sufficient to achieve the purposes of the attorney discipline process, particularly because Mr. Ylvisaker has chosen to retire and has accepted full responsibility for his inappropriate conduct.

The client retained Respondent in a divorce case and had accepted a paralegal job with him.

They had sex multiple times in the summer of 2022; she filed a bar complaint shortly thereafter. (Mike Frisch)