Time Added On
The Idaho Supreme Court imposed a suspension to follow on a previously-imposed sanction
On January 10, 2025, the Idaho Supreme Court entered a Disciplinary Order suspending former Post Falls attorney Robin L. Haynes from the practice of law for two years. The suspension is effective February 1, 2026, the date Ms. Haynes otherwise would be eligible for reinstatement following a three-year period of suspension imposed in a separate disciplinary case. Ms. Haynes also agreed to provide a $1,500 refund to one client in the disciplinary case and to comply with additional terms and conditions during her two-year period of probation upon reinstatement.
The Idaho Supreme Court found that Ms. Haynes violated I.R.P.C. 1.2(a) [Failure to abide by client objectives and consult with the client as to the means by which those objectives would be pursued], I.R.P.C. 1.4 [Failure to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation], and I.R.P.C. 1.16(d) [Failure to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable upon termination of representation to protect the client’s interest, including giving reasonable notice to the client and allowing time for employment of other counsel]. The Idaho Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Order followed a stipulated resolution of an Idaho State Bar disciplinary proceeding in which Ms. Haynes admitted that she violated those Rules.
The formal charge case related to Ms. Haynes’ conduct during her representation of two clients in separate custody cases. In mid-December 2022, Ms. Haynes executed a stipulation in a formal charge case agreeing to serve a three-year imposed disciplinary suspension effective February 1, 2023, or the date the Idaho Supreme Court entered its Disciplinary Order, whichever was later. In mid-January 2023, the Idaho Supreme Court entered a Disciplinary Order imposing the three-year suspension, effective February 1, 2023. On or around January 30, 2023, Ms. Haynes sent a certified letter to the two clients consistent with Idaho Bar Commission Rule 517 and filed her Notices of Withdrawal in the two pending custody cases. However, she did not inform either client at any time before January 30, 2023, about the possibility of her disciplinary suspension and the consequent termination of her representation and withdrawal as counsel in the clients’ custody cases.
The Spokane Journal noted in reporting the earlier charges that the attorney formerly served as President of the Washington State Bar Association.
The Idaho State Bar has charged former Washington State Bar Association President Robin L. Haynes with professional misconduct in relation to five counts of theft brought by Spokane County prosecutors last year.
Last February, in the face of those criminal charges, Haynes agreed to forego practicing law in the state of Washington for five years and entered a felony diversion program.
Following its own investigation, the Idaho State Bar calls for Haynes to be suspended, yet didn’t disclose a length of time. It also calls for Haynes to pay the costs and expenses incurred in investigating and prosecuting her case, and “for other such relief as if deemed necessary and proper.”
Joseph N. Pirtle, an attorney with the Idaho State Bar, says that the organization allows for reciprocal discipline for conduct in another state where an attorney has been charged.
(Mike Frisch)