Squire Padgett

DCCA Opinion (May 18, 2017)

Summary: The D.C. Court of Appeals disbarred Padgett. Padgett, among other things, engaged in intentional misappropriation. Additionally, in the course of representing at least two clients, Padgett misappropriated client funds and engaged in repeated acts of dishonesty and misrepresentation by participating in the scheme to present the false settlement agreements as legitimate. Rules 1.3(a), 1.3(b)(2), 1.3(c), 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 1.5(b), 1.15(a), 1.15(d), 1.16(d), 5.1(a), 5.1(b), 5.1(c)(2), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d), and D.C. Bar R. XI, § (2)(b).

Board Report and Orders (February 1, 2017)

Summary: The Board on Professional Responsibility recommends that the D.C. Court of Appeals disbar Padgett with restitution as a condition of reinstatement, with interest at the legal rate. This matter involves Padgett’s representation of multiple clients over the past decade. Padgett engaged in serious and pervasive misconduct, including intentional or reckless misappropriation of entrusted funds, criminal conduct by knowingly providing checks drawn on an account with insufficient funds, other dishonest acts directed at clients and third parties, abandoning firm clients and their matters after the courts suspended the other lawyer in his firm, taking and then failing to safe keep client files and documents, and other misconduct in his dealings with his clients. In addition, Padgett engaged in further misconduct during Disciplinary Counsel’s investigations by failing to respond to Disciplinary Counsel’s inquiries, making false and misleading statements when he did respond, failing to turn over documents and comply with subpoenas, and failing to comply with Board and court orders, including an order directing him to produce files and documents relating to his firm’s representation of 32 clients who had filed complaints against Padgett’s firm. Rules 1.3(a), 1.3(b)(2), 1.3(c), 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 1.5(b), 1.15(a), 1.15(d), 1.16(d), 5.1(a), 5.1(b), 5.1(c)(2), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d), and D.C. Bar R. XI, § (2)(b).

Hearing Committee Report (May 12, 2016)

Summary: Not yet available.