Boston Legal Malpractice LawyerThe Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) has suspended an attorney from practicing law for 6 months, following a determination that he had been practicing without a license, and falsely represented himself as a licensed attorney. In the matter of Peter Larkowich, a Massachusetts attorney was administratively suspended for failing to pay his dues to the Massachusetts bar. He did not apply to be reinstated, nor did he notify his clients of his suspension, or withdraw from his current cases. Continue reading
Articles Posted in Legal Ethics Issues
In re: Derek H. DePetrillo: Massachusetts Attorney Receives Public Reprimand for Violations of Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct
The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (“BBO”) has issued a public reprimand against an attorney for misrepresenting a settlement offer to his client. In the matter of Derek H. DePetrillo, a woman hired an attorney to represent her in a claim against a loan company, which was making harassing phone calls to the woman. The attorney and his client entered into a contingent fee contract, under which he would only be paid if the claim was successful. Continue reading
In re Diane R. McGarvey, No. BD-2013-114: Massachusetts Lawyer Suspended After Engaging in Criminal Conduct
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”), located in Boston, has suspended an attorney from practicing law after she admitted to violating multiple Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct. In the matter of Diane R. McGarvey, an attorney was involved in four separate motor vehicle incidents over a period of years, which resulted in criminal charges against her. Continue reading
In re Dwyer-Jones, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Affords Deference to Maine Court’s Suspension of Attorney
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“Massachusetts SJC”) has affirmed an order transferring an attorney to inactive status for a period of one year, following a determination by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court (“Maine SJC”) that the attorney was unfit to practice law. In the matter of Suzanne T. Dwyer-Jones, the Maine Board of Bar Overseers (“Maine BBO”) alleged that an attorney had substantial mental health and substance abuse problems. Continue reading
In re: Jason K. Betts, No. BD-2009-112: Massachusetts Attorney Suspended Following Multiple Criminal Convictions
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”), located in Boston, has suspended an attorney from practicing law after he was convicted of multiple criminal charges. In the matter of Jason K. Betts, an attorney admitted to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty on charges of resisting arrest, violating the conditions of his probation, disturbing the peace, driving under the influence, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Continue reading
In re: Richard T. Connors, No. BD-2013-112: Massachusetts Lawyer Suspended After Assault Conviction
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”), located in Boston, has suspended an attorney from practicing law after he was convicted of criminal assault. In the matter of Richard T. Connors, an attorney was involved in a verbal altercation in a parking lot, and then threatened another driver with a handgun. Continue reading
In re Lisa Beth Wilkins Baker, No. BD-2012-026: Massachusetts Lawyer Suspended for Violation of Attorney Ethics Rules
The Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) in Boston has suspended an attorney from practicing law, following an investigation by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (“BBO”). In the matter of Lisa Beth Wilkins Baker, an attorney neglected her duties as a guardian ad litem in two client matters, and failed to cooperate with counsel for the BBO during disciplinary proceedings. Continue reading
Admonition No. 14-03: Massachusetts Attorney Violates Ethical Rules While Representing Client in Wrongful Termination Suit
The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (“BBO”) has issued an admonition against an attorney for failing to competently handle a legal matter, failing to seek his client’s lawful objectives, and failing to adequately communicate with his client. In Admonition No. 14-03, the attorney was hired to bring a wrongful termination suit on behalf of a municipal employee, who was terminated as the result of the terms of his union agreement, which favored employees with seniority.
Continue reading
In re Daniel P. Byrnes, No. BD-2014-054: Attorney Disbarred for Stealing Client Funds
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”), located in Boston, has entered an order disbarring an attorney after finding that he kept client funds for his personal use. In the Matter of Daniel P. Byrnes, a lawyer was named the executor of his brother in law’s estate and facilitated the sale of the decedent’s house for a total of $395,000. The attorney deposited the sale proceeds into his Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Account (“IOLTA”), instead of opening a separate estate account for the funds.
In re Barry E. O’Neill, No. BD-2014-059: Attorney Suspended for Assisting in the Unauthorized Practice of Law
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) has entered an order suspending an attorney after finding that he helped a non-lawyer set up a law practice. In the Matter of Barry E. O’Neill, a lawyer, who was a business person and had never actively practiced law, helped a woman establish a law practice before she was licensed.