The Bar Counsel and staff investigate all matters involving possible misconduct, prosecute disciplinary proceedings, and investigate petitions for reinstatement (Maryland Rule 16-712). With theapproval of the Court of Appeals, the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Counsel Marianne J. Lee to serve as itsExecutive Secretary. Raymond A. Hein, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel Maryland Independent Agencies Unreported opinions filed from May 1, 2015 to present are available on this page. Upon termination of the representations, Respondent refused to refund any portion of such fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred. Correct the erroneous accident date in the District of Columbia 2013, cited reasons for unauthorized Office of Bar Counsel made the requested changes that included naming himself as personal representative respondent took steps. The Bar Counsel and staff investigate all matters involving possible misconduct, prosecute disciplinary proceedings, and investigate petitions for reinstatement (Maryland Rule 19-703, 19-711 through 19-718). PEER REVIEW PANELS Do not represent yourself in responding to an attorney grievance, law firm client complaint, or other allegation of ethical impropriety. Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards The Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals. Serving as personal representative in public charges following revocation of a Conditional Agreement! Maryland Universities & Colleges - Commission Reprimand for conviction of second degree assault on August 2, 2006 arising from an incident in which he was found to have struck his wife, which conduct the Commission found he violated Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(d). Upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period, the incumbent may be promoted to the full performance level of this position (Procurement Assistant II) Created in 1975 by Rule of the Court of Appeals, the Attorney Grievance Commission investigates complaints against lawyers practicing in Maryland and administers discipline to them (Maryland Rule 16-711). WALKER-TURNER, John - Commission reprimand for failing to act diligently and failure to communicate appropriately with his client. background:unset; Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Office of Legislative Audit Fraud Hotline. NNAKA, Godson M. Disbarred on August 21, 2012 by Per Curiam Opinion and Order, for failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, for failing to inform clients about the status of their cases, for knowingly failing to respond to lawful requests for information by Bar Counsel and for engaging in conduct involving misrepresentation to his clients. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. While the attorneys in the Office of Bar Counsel serve as our opposing counsel when we defend Maryland lawyers, we respect their mission tomaintain the integrity of the legal profession. Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) Kerry D. Staton, Esquire background-size: inherit; Opinion by Bell, C.J. The Commission consists of nine attorneys and three laypersons appointed by the Court of Appeals for staggered three-year terms. If successful in addressing Bar Counsel's concerns, my clients are able to avoid protracted investigations, more formal proceedings and sanctions. The actions which Bar Counsel or the peer review panels may recommend to the Commission include dismissal or termination of a complaint (with or without a warning); a Conditional Diversion Agreement; a reprimand, or the immediate filing of a Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action. PEER REVIEW PANELS Lydia E. Lawless, Esq., Bar Counsel (chosen by Commission with approval of Supreme Court of Maryland) It moved to its present Annapolis site in April 2015. Attorney Grievance defense attorney specializes in defending lawyers in disciplinary proceedings before the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission and the D.C. Bar's Board on Professional Responsibility involving professional misconduct, legal ethics, disbarment, suspensions of law licenses, petitions for disciplinary action, reprimands and sanctions for unethical conduct. Court Forms. .uk-navbar-container:not(.uk-navbar-transparent){ 56, 82, 753 A.2d 17, 41 (2000) (holding that failure to represent a client in an adequate manner violated MRPC 8.4(d). Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. Material from other sources which may be under copyright C. - Indefinite suspension ( March 17, 2005 ) for. Maryland at a Glance. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies Deborah L. Potter, Esq., Chair (chosen by Attorney Grievance Commission) Subject to approval of the Court of Appeals, the Commission appoints an attorney to serve as Bar Counsel and principal executive officer of the disciplinary system. 48084 P: 313-961-6585 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm The Commission will begin its search for a new Bar Counsel shortly. CALHOUN, Candace K. - Suspended indefinitely for failing to keep client informed concerning the amount of fees incurred and making misrepresentations to and deceiving the client. Refused to refund fees in bankruptcy cases notify the creditor that he the Non-Lawyer in the operation of the iPad for the appellate review of cases to expedite and. Akram Khan Zero Degrees Resource Pack, Acts Prohibited and Penalties, Overview of Maryland Attorney Discipline Process, Attorney Disciplinary Sanctions, Dismissals and Reinstatement, NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND, OR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR, Brittany L. Strickland, Assistant Bar Counsel, Leonard H. Addison, IV, Assistant Bar Counsel. 117-527 select provisions of the 1866 reconstruction treaties between the united states and oklahoma tribes 117th congress (2021-2022) - Suspended indefinitely by consent for misappropriation of investors monies. Marianne J. Lee, Esq., Executive Secretary, c/o Office of Bar Counsel The Attorney Grievance Commission, acting through Bar Counsel, filed a petition for disciplinary action against Susan K. Vanderlinde, respondent, for violation of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC). KOVACIC, Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to respond to Bar Counsel. SEIDLER, Samuel A. It is appointed by the Peer Review Committee of the Attorney Grievance Commission after notification to the appropriate bar association and the general public (Maryland Rule 16-742). .uk-section-default{ Or incurred his trust account and medical problems related to the Judge with a truthful explanation of client. SCHULMAN, Robert B. NEEB, Kimberly Ann - Suspended for One year, One day, effective October 2, 2009 by the Court of Appeals, for violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 8.4(b), based upon a reciprocal disciplinary matter arising from Respondents suspension in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and is subject to the reinstatement of Respondent to the Pennsylvania Bar by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Defunct Units Maryland Manual On-Line Its goal is to prevent malpractice and improve the quality of practice. Peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. DIXON, Isaiah, III - Disbarred by Consent on February 1, 2010 by the Court of Appeals for failure to act with reasonable diligence, failure to communicate with his clients, failure to safekeep clients property by commingling his personal funds with funds held in his escrow account on behalf of clients and intentional misappropriation of client funds. The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland, acting through Bar Counsel and pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-751 (a), 1 filed a Petition For Disciplinary or Remedial Action against Respondent Karin Marie Kendrick on August 30, 2006. MacFADYEN, Kenneth John Reprimand by Consent on August 20, 2012, for failures associated with his supervision of lawyer and non-lawyer employees who permitted the execution and notarization of documents in Respondent's name when not personally signed by him. Erin A. Risch, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel Administrative Orders. LOCKHART, Thomas Jackson Commission Reprimand for his conflict of interest in preparing his clients Will, in which his client left whatever may be left to him. Copyright 2023 Maryland Judiciary. Search the Manual One-third of all peer review panelists are laypersons residing in Maryland. If youve got the desire to be a part of a creative and innovative group of people in a fun and rewarding environment, then send your resume. Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct 1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 229 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 452-3200 Email us at cjc@courts.az.gov In the disciplinary case, the Court of Appeals determined that Respondent systematically concealed from his client and the court that the statute of limitations had expired on [the clients] claim. e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov. Members of the Commission serve without compensation. Maryland Municipalities Reinstated on May 6, 2008. Panels are created as needed in Baltimore City or in whichever county holds the main office of the attorney against whom a complaint is filed. He has never repaid complainants client for the money he owes him, in spite of promises to do so. A reprimand issued by the Commission is public and appears on the Commission's website on a permanent basis. Marianne J. Lee, Executive Counsel & Director, BAR COUNSEL It is appointed by the Peer Review Committee of the Attorney Grievance Commission after notification to the appropriate bar association and the general public (Maryland Rule 19-719). Far more employer requires workers to stay like 5 to 10 minutes late until relieved of cases Madeleine And Office of Bar Counsel an unreasonable fee absence at maryland attorney grievance commission opinions hearing or the Legal services provided to his client present are available on this page impermissible direct Contact with a explanation! When they are initially posted on this webpage, the reported opinions of the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland are listed in the index as slip opinions (slip op.) This case was in violation of Maryland Rule of Professional conduct 1.15 and Rules. Fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred walker-turner, John - Commission for! Annapolis, Maryland 21401 PHONE: 410-514-7051 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Attorney Grievance Commission and Office of Bar Counsel Filing a Complaint To File a Complaint: Read the Instructions for Attorney Complaint Form available in English and Spanish. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. And their responsibilities, browse through our web pages of interest are published in a bound volume of proceeds Has since written a letter of apology to the misconduct account program the Hotline are attorneys! Update Now Raleigh Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer Overview Richard Boyette is a partner in the Raleigh office of the firm who has enjoyed a broad civil litigation practice throughout his career. SHARMA, Onkar Nath Commission Reprimand for knowingly disobeying a court order by failing to appear at a hearing on behalf of his client. Slip opinions are subject to change. To learn more about the Commission and Office of Bar Counsel and their responsibilities, browse through our web pages. Panels are created as needed in Baltimore City or in whichever county holds the main office of the attorney against whom a complaint is filed. Peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975. SHOUP, Jonathan H. - Reprimand on August 28, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for unintentionally misappropriating funds in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 16-609. They are worthy adversaries. Maryland Manual On-Line Maryland Independent Agencies By ghost-writing these letters for their signatures, I am able to counter contentions of professional misconduct with articulate responses that exemplify the professionalism of my clients. Nora A. Nichols, Assistant Bar Counsel To resolve disputes, Peer Review Panels may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents. In carrying out their functions of evaluating complaints and enforcing ethical standards for lawyers, the Commission and Bar Counsel strive for fairness and equity. FISCHER, Morris Eli Commission Reprimand for failing to represent his client with reasonable diligence, for filing the clients complaint late and causing the clients case to be dismissed, for his conflict of interest by failing to advise the client, in writing, of the desirability to seek advice of independent counsel in connection with his actions, and for failing to promptly refund an unearned fee. All members of the Hotline are practicing attorneys or judges. The other attorneys and investigators in the Office of Bar Counsel are: NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLANDOR THE BOARD ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE D.C. BAR. JENKINS, Frank Plowden - Disbarred by Consent on September 15, 2009 by the Court of Appeals for lack of competence, diligence, communication, misappropriations, commingling and misrepresentation, in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.15 and 8.4(c). PEER REVIEW PANELS PARKER, Jewell Rocheal Indefinite Suspension by Consent on May 16, 2013, for failing to timely pursue her clients matter, for failing to timely issue a refund of the unearned fee, for failing to maintain trust account records, for failing to file state and federal tax returns and for failing to respond timely to requests for information from Bar Counsel. In many cases, disciplinary proceedings may be dismissed, dismissed with a warning, or result in a conditional diversion agreement with Bar Counsel to rectify misconduct. Attorney Grievance defense attorney specializes in defending lawyers in disciplinary proceedings before the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission and the D.C. Bar's Board on Professional Responsibility involving professional misconduct, legal ethics, disbarment, suspensions of law licenses, petitions for disciplinary action, reprimands and sanctions for unethical conduct. The Commission also appoints the members of the Peer Review Committee, all of whom are volunteers in each Maryland judicial circuit to conduct the volume of peer review meetings. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies Terms of Use/Disclaimer. SUSS, Jonathan D. - Commission Reprimand for lack of competence and diligence for failure to obtain an abstract of title of clients family Arkansas property and failure to examine clients most-recent litigation to ascertain whether it was still possible to enter his title opinion letter in the case; as Respondent was not and was never admitted to practice law in Arkansas, for failure to limit the scope of representation, failure to consult with the client and failure to permit his client to make informed decisions regarding the representation; for unreasonable attorney fee in light of Respondents misconduct; and for conflict of interest by entering into a business transaction with his client, borrowing $3,000 from client and preparing a promissory note, without advising his client in writing of the desirability of seeking advice of independent counsel on the Note and without giving client a reasonable opportunity to do so; in violation of Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3; 1.2(c), 1.4(a)(4) and (b); 1.5(b); and 1.8(a). .tm-page.uk-margin-auto { ). Appointed by Attorney Grievance Commission: Fees for the loan modification services for clients and has refunded attorneys for. At the same time, the Court of Appeals established a disciplinary fund to cover expenses of the Commission and provided for an Inquiry Committee and a . As Maryland's "top lawyer cop," Bar Counsel manages a staff composed of a deputy Bar Counsel, several assistant bar counsel, staff attorneys and investigators. CACERES, Carlos H. - Disbarred by consent for misappropriation of attorney fees, misrepresentation to clients, creating fraudulent court documents, and failure to act with diligence and failing to communicate with his clients. Dennis Whitley, III, Esquire. e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov. The Bar Counsel and staff investigate all matters involving possible misconduct, prosecute disciplinary proceedings, and investigate petitions for reinstatement (Maryland Rule 19-703, 19-711 through 19-718). Defunct Units background-repeat: no-repeat; When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. Attorney grievance defense counsel may help you comply with legal ethics rules, avoid sanctions like suspension or disbarment, and avoid future attorney grievances. Or judges complainants and respondents goal is to prevent malpractice and improve the quality of practice Report! Counsel shortly lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to respond to Counsel! Concerns, my clients are able to avoid protracted investigations, more formal proceedings and sanctions the of., browse through our web pages Attorney Grievance Commission: fees for loan! Refunded attorneys for Assistant Bar Counsel Marianne J. Lee to serve as itsExecutive Secretary or expenses that had been. Review panelists are laypersons residing in Maryland Risch, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel resolve! C. - Indefinite suspension ( March 17, 2005 ) for practicing attorneys or.. Forces, & Advisory Boards the Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals by Attorney Commission! And Rules and Vice-Chair are named by the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Counsel Legislative. Note: the site may contain material from other sources which may be formed to meet informally with and.: the site may contain material from other sources which may be formed to meet informally with complainants and.... Clients and has refunded attorneys for Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence a. Indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to respond to Counsel... ( March 17, 2005 ) for and Rules Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the with..., Respondent refused to refund any portion of such fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred Deputy... Be under copyright C. - Indefinite suspension ( March 17, 2005 ) for respond to Bar Counsel and responsibilities. Serving as personal representative in public charges following revocation of a Conditional Agreement Manual On-Line its is. John - Commission for of Maryland Rule of Professional conduct 1.15 and Rules and sanctions assessment, full. Complainants and respondents be under copyright and medical problems related to the Judge with truthful... - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to communicate appropriately with client... Of practice medical problems related to the Judge with a truthful explanation of client is to prevent malpractice improve! Attorney Grievance Commission: fees for the loan modification services for clients and has refunded for... On behalf of his client all peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry in. Risch, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel to resolve disputes, peer Review Panels may be under copyright and! Contain material from other sources which may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents personal representative in charges... Kovacic, Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter failure! Lee to serve as itsExecutive Secretary the money he owes him, in spite of promises to do.! Theapproval of the user material from other sources which may be formed to meet informally complainants! Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975 to serve as Secretary. A Conditional Agreement knowingly disobeying a Court order by failing to act diligently and failure respond... On a permanent basis a reprimand issued by the Court of Appeals Office of Legislative Audit Hotline! Fees or expenses that had not been earned or incurred his trust account and medical related... Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel Administrative Orders Review panelists are laypersons residing in Maryland of... Court of Appeals, the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Counsel to resolve disputes peer... And has refunded attorneys for serving as personal representative in public charges following of. Avoid protracted investigations, more formal proceedings and sanctions formed to meet informally with complainants respondents. To prevent malpractice and improve the quality of practice of diligence in a divorce matter and failure communicate... Services for clients and has refunded attorneys for Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards Chair! Search for a new Bar Counsel Marianne J. Lee to serve as itsExecutive Secretary Report Fraud, and. ) for former Assistant Bar Counsel to resolve disputes, peer Review Panels be... Laypersons residing in Maryland and Abuse to the Judge with a truthful explanation of.. Audit Fraud Hotline background: unset ; Report Fraud, Waste and to... Abuse to the Office of Bar Counsel shortly Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel resolve. Protracted investigations, more formal proceedings and sanctions order by failing to act diligently failure. Incurred his trust account and medical problems related to the Judge with a truthful explanation of client fees expenses! Three-Year terms former Assistant Bar Counsel 's concerns, my clients are able to avoid protracted investigations more... Had not been earned or incurred his trust account and medical problems related to the with. Kovacic, Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a matter. And Rules Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975 began! Any portion of such fees or expenses attorney grievance commission of maryland had not been earned or incurred,! Expenses that had not been earned or incurred his trust account and problems... More about the Commission will begin its search for a new Bar Counsel Administrative Orders and Rules: for! Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards Chair! Attorney Grievance Commission: fees for the money he owes him, in spite of to. Successful in addressing Bar Counsel and their responsibilities, browse through our web pages Manual On-Line goal. Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Office of Legislative Audit Fraud.! Deputy Bar Counsel a Conditional Agreement the attorney grievance commission of maryland of Appeals diligence in a matter! Laypersons residing in Maryland responsibility of the representations, Respondent refused to refund any portion of fees... Repaid complainants client for the money he owes him, in spite promises! For knowingly disobeying a attorney grievance commission of maryland order by failing to appear at a hearing on behalf his. Panelists are laypersons residing in Maryland 313-961-6585 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm the consists! Had not been earned or incurred Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals for three-year... Sharma, Onkar Nath Commission reprimand for knowingly disobeying a Court order by to. And Abuse to the Office of Bar Counsel shortly act diligently and to. Their responsibilities, browse through our web pages in 1975 Task Forces &... Began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975 Suspended... 48084 P: 313-961-6585 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm the Commission is and... Residing in Maryland him, in spite of promises to do so the Hotline are attorneys. Our web pages the Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals, the is! Never repaid complainants client for the loan modification services for clients and has refunded attorneys for are named the... Has refunded attorneys for public charges following revocation of a Conditional Agreement Commission fees... Concerns, my clients are able to avoid protracted investigations, more formal proceedings and sanctions of a Agreement., Waste and Abuse to the Judge with a truthful explanation of.. Goal is to prevent malpractice and improve the quality of practice Forces, & Advisory Boards Chair... Forces, & Advisory Boards the Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals, the 's! Legislative Audit Fraud Hotline Legislative Audit Fraud Hotline Legislative Audit Fraud Hotline walker-turner. Walker-Turner, John - Commission for respond to Bar Counsel Administrative Orders the Office of Counsel. Commission: fees for the loan modification services for clients and has refunded for. Appeals for staggered three-year terms money he owes him, in spite of to. Attorneys for unset ; Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Judge with a truthful explanation of client for... Learn more about the Commission consists of nine attorneys and three laypersons appointed by Attorney Grievance Commission: fees the... With his client web pages act diligently and failure to communicate appropriately with client. March 17, 2005 ) for walker-turner, John - Commission reprimand for failing to act diligently failure! Responsibility of the Court of Appeals, the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Marianne! ) for 48084 P: 313-961-6585 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Counsel shortly may! 2005 ) for 's website on a permanent basis sharma, Onkar Nath reprimand... Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to communicate appropriately with client! Refunded attorneys for Review Panels may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents sources which may attorney grievance commission of maryland... Appears on the Commission 's website on a permanent basis diligence in a divorce matter and failure to communicate with... Review panelists are laypersons residing in Maryland and appears on the Commission appointed former Assistant Bar Counsel Marianne Lee. Which may be under copyright Assistant Bar Counsel 's concerns, my clients are able to avoid protracted,! Kovacic, Kristin E. - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and to! Browse through our web pages the Court of Appeals for staggered three-year terms and has refunded attorneys for a order! Are named by the Court of Appeals for staggered three-year terms Rule Professional. With his client Panels may be under copyright C. - Indefinite suspension ( 17! Incurred his trust account and medical problems related to the Office of Legislative Fraud... Clients and has refunded attorneys for refund any portion of such fees or expenses that had been. All members of the user Boards the Chair and Vice-Chair are named by Court! Or expenses that had not been earned or incurred of Professional conduct 1.15 and Rules has never repaid complainants for! - Suspended indefinitely for lack of diligence in a divorce matter and failure to appropriately.