State Bar

Michael Fearnley Placed on Disability Inactive Status

The Tennessee Supreme Court entered an order on April 20, 2026 transferring attorney Michael Fearnley's law license to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.4 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9. Mr. Fearnley is prohibited from practicing law while on disability inactive status and must comply with Section 28 obligations and responsibilities. Reinstatement requires demonstrating to the Tennessee Supreme Court that the disability has been removed in accordance with Section 27.7.

Attorney Richard Stacey Censured for Misrepresenting Case Facts on Appeal

The Idaho Supreme Court entered a Disciplinary Order on April 14, 2026, publicly censuring Boise attorney Richard L. Stacey, Jr. following a stipulated resolution of Idaho State Bar disciplinary proceedings. Mr. Stacey admitted violations of Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct arising from his failure to accurately represent factual and procedural history in his appellate brief, specifically omitting reference to a motion for reconsideration and new arguments raised therein.

Beth Angel Garrison, BPR #024434 - Public Censure for Client Neglect

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure against attorney Beth Angel Garrison on April 15, 2026, for violations of Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), and 1.16 (termination of representation). Garrison neglected a client's child support modification matter for eight months after opposing counsel requested minor changes, then failed to send the finalized agreement to opposing counsel after the client approved it.

Elliott James Schuchardt Permanently Disbarred

The Supreme Court of Tennessee permanently disbarred attorney Elliott James Schuchardt (BPR #027016) effective April 14, 2026. The Court affirmed findings that Schuchardt violated multiple Rules of Professional Conduct across four cases, including competence, diligence, communication, fees, conflict of interest, litigation conduct, candor toward tribunal, and misconduct involving dishonesty and administration of justice.

Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Case Listings

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board published a listing of attorney disciplinary case decisions from the Louisiana Supreme Court and Disciplinary Board. The Supreme Court section includes 25 cases from November 2025 through April 2026, with case numbers and citation references (So.3d). The Disciplinary Board section includes 16 cases from May 2024 through October 2025.

Zachary Ty Carden Public Censure - BPR 036752

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Zachary Ty Carden (BPR #036752) on April 13, 2026, for violations across three client matters. The violations include failing to act diligently, not communicating with clients, improperly handling fees, and not fulfilling duties after client discharge. Carden received a Public Censure, which serves as a formal rebuke and warning but does not restrict his ability to practice law.

Margaret Jane Powers Public Censure - Tennessee Attorney

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Margaret Jane Powers on April 13, 2026, for violations of Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.5(f) (fees), 1.15 (safeguarding client property), and 1.16(d) (duties following withdrawal). Powers failed to take timely action for an estate probate client, then declined to refund an unearned security retainer and delayed returning prepaid litigation expenses after discharge, despite no signed fee agreement.

James Nathan Hargis Temporarily Suspended from Practice

The Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended attorney James Nathan Hargis on April 13, 2026, following a finding that he misappropriated client and third-party funds and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. Under Section 12.3(a) of Supreme Court Rule 9, Mr. Hargis must immediately stop accepting new cases and cease representing existing clients by May 13, 2026. He must notify all clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel of the suspension and deliver all papers and property to which clients are entitled.

Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Decisions 2024-2026

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board published a compilation of attorney disciplinary decisions from 2024-2026, including 24 Supreme Court orders and 14 Disciplinary Board decisions. Affected attorneys include practitioners subject to discipline for professional rule violations under the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct.

Emily Cross Morley Censured for Client Neglect and Rule Violations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Emily Cross Morley (BPR #041583) on April 7, 2026 for violating Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 3.2 (expediting litigation), and 8.4 (misconduct). Morley failed to notify her client of a trial date in a personal property recovery case, and failed to communicate the adverse judgment entered in September 2024 until October 2025.

David Bennett LaRoche - Public Censure for Professional Conduct Violations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney David Bennett LaRoche on April 7, 2026, for violating Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1, 8.1, and 8.4. The censure stems from LaRoche's failure to comply with a prior Private Reprimand, including refunding $500 to a complainant within 60 days and responding to Disciplinary Counsel. LaRoche's prior reprimand involved violations of competence, diligence, communication, and termination rules.

Agnes Sipple Trujillo Publicly Censured for Professional Conduct Violations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Agnes Sipple Trujillo on April 7, 2026, for multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct including failure to file trial transcripts on appeal, failure to respond to dismissal motions causing client case dismissal, unreasonable $7,500 nonrefundable fee, failure to provide client copies of pleadings or notify client of dismissal, and failure to maintain and return client file.

Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Decisions List

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board published its periodic list of attorney disciplinary decisions from the Louisiana Supreme Court and Disciplinary Board. The list includes approximately 40+ decisions spanning November 2024 through March 2026, covering various disciplinary actions including disbarments, suspensions, and reprimands of Louisiana-licensed attorneys.

Attorney Hazlett Reprimanded for Excessive Fees and Staff Oversight Failures

The Oregon State Bar obtained a public reprimand against attorney Jamie Hazlett for violating RPC 1.5(a) and RPC 5.3(a). Hazlett billed a client for staff time spent on an attorney lien against the client's property and correspondence with the Bar declining fee dispute participation, neither of which constituted legal work for the client's benefit. The attorney also failed to review staff billing charges before invoice delivery.

Rebecca Sirius Fritch Flanagan - 30-Day Suspension

The Oregon State Bar obtained Supreme Court approval of a Stipulation for Discipline against attorney Rebecca Sirius Fritch Flanagan (Bar No. 131938), resulting in a 30-day suspension effective March 13, 2026. The discipline stems from violations of RPC 1.16(c), RPC 1.16(d), and RPC 8.1(a)(2) arising from inadequate handling of practice closure and failure to communicate with probate clients Kyle and Masog. During an extended medical leave from November 2022 through 2023, the attorney became unreachable, failed to file required annual accountings, and did not respond to disciplinary inquiries.

Robert Parker - 90-Day Suspension, Three-Year Probation, Oregon

The Oregon State Bar obtained a disciplinary order against attorney Robert Roosevelt Parker (Bar No. 216437) for violations of multiple Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct, including competence, communication, fee agreements, and trust account violations. Parker received a 90-day suspension, fully stayed, conditioned on completing a three-year probation effective April 1, 2026.

Jack Kinsey 60-Day Suspension - Oregon Ethics Violations

The Oregon Supreme Court approved a stipulation for discipline suspending attorney Jack Kinsey for 60 days, effective April 13, 2026. The suspension stems from violations of six Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct including neglect, failure to communicate with clients, and dishonesty in client matters.

Washington County Attorney Suspended Two Years for Ethics Violations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended attorney Jeffrey Dennis Johnson from practice for two years, with 30 days active suspension and remainder on probation. Johnson violated multiple Rules of Professional Conduct including confidentiality, conflict of interest, and duties to former clients in a criminal matter representation.

Madison County lawyer Marcus Lipham permanently disbarred, ordered to pay $26,500 restitution

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility reported that attorney Marcus Allen Lipham was permanently disbarred by the Supreme Court of Tennessee effective April 1, 2026, and ordered to pay $26,500 in restitution to seven former clients. The disbarment resulted from nine separate complaints and findings of knowing ethical misconduct including failures in competence, communication, diligence, fee合理性, and candor toward tribunals.

Attorney Public Censure for Diligence and Misrepresentation Violations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Theodore Iver Jones for violations of Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence) and 8.4 (misconduct). Mr. Jones failed to act diligently when representing a client seeking to clear title on two properties and misrepresented the case status to the client. A Public Censure is an official rebuke and warning but does not restrict the attorney's ability to practice law.

Attorney Publicly Censured for Failure to Appear and Apparent Impairment

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure to attorney Catherine Elizabeth Fezell (BPR #039547) on March 31, 2026, for violations of Rules 1.1, 1.3, and 8.4(d) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. The censure stems from her failure to appear in Greene County court on May 14, 2024, and her apparent impairment when she eventually arrived. A Public Censure serves as a formal rebuke but does not restrict the attorney's ability to practice law.

Peter Drum - Immediate Attorney Suspension

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ordered the immediate interim suspension of attorney Peter W. Drum from practicing law in Maine. The Board of Overseers of the Bar petitioned the Court based on evidence of violations of Maine Rules of Professional Conduct 1.14, 8.1(b), and 8.4(a)(b)(c)(d), finding Drum poses an imminent threat to clients, the public, and the administration of justice. Drum must immediately cease all legal practice and surrender all client files and assets to a court-appointed receiver.

Tennessee Attorney Censured for AI-Generated False Citations

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Matthew Wayne Willis for submitting an AI-generated reply brief to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals containing over 70% fictitious legal citations. The Board found Willis violated Rules 1.3 (diligence), 5.3 (supervision of nonlawyer assistants), and 8.4 (misconduct) by failing to verify AI outputs and adequately supervise his paralegal. A Public Censure serves as a formal rebuke and warning but does not restrict the attorney's license to practice.

Emily Reed Consent Caution

The State Bar of Arkansas has issued a consent caution to Emily Reed (Bar Number 2001020) in case number 2025-028. The document was filed on March 18, 2026, and is classified as a caution disciplinary action.

J. Stephen Hurst Censured for Unauthorized Settlement

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced that attorney J. Stephen Hurst was publicly censured by the Supreme Court of Tennessee, effective March 25, 2026. The censure stems from improperly negotiating and settling a case without client authorization and failing to inform the court of this lack of approval.

Kenneth Michael Margolis Publicly Censured

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility has publicly censured attorney Kenneth Michael Margolis for violations of professional conduct rules. The censure stems from issues related to fee agreements, communication, and the improper use of client authorizations in a new legal matter.

Jason Lee Holly - Temporary Suspension of Law License

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced the temporary suspension of Carter County lawyer Jason Lee Holly's law license, effective March 23, 2026. The suspension is due to his failure to respond to two complaints of misconduct. Mr. Holly must cease representing existing clients by April 22, 2026, and comply with specific rules for suspended attorneys.

Frederic E. Cann Publicly Reprimanded for RPC 1.7(a)(1) Violation

The Oregon State Bar has publicly reprimanded attorney Frederic E. Cann for violating Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7(a)(1) concerning conflicts of interest. The reprimand stems from Cann representing both a husband and wife in immigration matters and subsequently agreeing to represent the husband in a divorce proceeding against the wife, without a conflict check and while still representing both in immigration matters.

Gary M. Bullock Publicly Reprimanded for Rule Violations

The Oregon State Bar has publicly reprimanded attorney Gary M. Bullock for violations of RPC 1.6(a) (confidentiality of information) and RPC 3.4(c) (fairness in judicial proceedings). The reprimand stems from two consolidated cases, 22-146 and 23-132, involving inadvertent disclosure of client files and a fee dispute. The order approving the stipulation for discipline was effective February 19, 2025.

Joseph Domingo Suspended 60 Days for Rule Violations

The Oregon State Bar has suspended attorney Joseph M. Domingo for 60 days due to violations of professional conduct rules, including communication and trust account management. The suspension is effective March 15, 2025, following an order approving a stipulation for discipline.

James R. Eckley - Suspension for Professional Misconduct

The Oregon Supreme Court has ordered a suspension of 6 months and 1 day for attorney James R. Eckley, effective February 13, 2025. This reciprocal discipline stems from violations of professional conduct rules related to client communication and conflicts of interest, as previously determined by the Arizona Supreme Court.

Wade Bettis Publicly Reprimanded for RPC 1.7(a) Violation

The Oregon State Bar has publicly reprimanded attorney Wade Bettis for violating RPC 1.7(a), which governs conflicts of interest. The disciplinary board approved a stipulation for discipline, resulting in a public reprimand effective June 17, 2025.

David Freeman Interim Suspension Order

The Supreme Court of Alaska has issued an interim suspension order for David M. Freeman, a legal professional, effective immediately. This action follows a judgment of conviction for a felony driving under the influence charge and includes referral to the Lawyers' Assistance Committee.

Jacob Sonneborn Suspended from Law Practice for 30 Months

The Supreme Court of Alaska has ordered the suspension of Jacob Sonneborn from the practice of law for 30 months. This order follows a stipulation for discipline by consent and includes requirements for restitution and payment of costs. Sonneborn must also meet with the Lawyers' Assistance Committee before applying for reinstatement.

Lawyer Harvey Randolph Fallin Temporarily Suspended

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced the temporary suspension of lawyer Harvey Randolph Fallin, effective March 9, 2026. The suspension stems from his failure to respond to a misconduct complaint, precluding him from accepting new cases and requiring him to cease representing existing clients by April 8, 2026.

Handel Durham Jr. Censured by Tennessee Supreme Court Board

The Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court has publicly censured attorney Handel R. Durham, Jr. for violating rules of professional conduct related to fees and communications. The censure was issued on March 3, 2026, following an improper attempt to collect a contingency fee from a client.

Mary R. Rudolph - Temporary Suspension of Law License

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced the temporary suspension of lawyer Mary R. Rudolph's license to practice law, effective March 5, 2026. The suspension was issued by the Supreme Court of Tennessee due to Ms. Rudolph's failure to respond to a misconduct complaint.

Johnny D. Houston Jr. License Transferred to Disability Inactive Status

The Tennessee Supreme Court, by order entered March 9, 2026, has transferred the law license of Johnny D. Houston, Jr. to disability inactive status. This action prohibits Mr. Houston from practicing law and requires compliance with specific obligations outlined in Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.

Lawyer Disability Inactive Status Removed

The Tennessee Supreme Court has removed the disability inactive status of attorney Sornavidya Saba Sankar, effective March 6, 2026. While her disability inactive status is lifted, she will remain on inactive status pending the resolution of any disciplinary proceedings and must pay any associated reinstatement expenses.

HI Disciplinary Board - Order Allowing Resignation in Lieu of Discipline

The Hawaii Disciplinary Board has issued an order allowing an attorney to resign from the practice of law in lieu of disciplinary proceedings. This order pertains to attorney Derwin Hayashi and is associated with disciplinary case number SCPR-25-0000804.

Thomas R. Sylvester Transferred to Inactive Status

The Supreme Court of the State of Hawaiʻi, through its Disciplinary Board, has ordered the immediate transfer of attorney Thomas R. Sylvester to inactive status. This action is based on a petition filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and is effective upon the filing of the order.

Hawaii Supreme Court Suspends Steven D. Strauss from Law Practice

The Hawaii Supreme Court has suspended attorney Steven D. Strauss from the practice of law, effective immediately. The suspension is due to his failure to cooperate with disciplinary investigations by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) in two separate cases. Strauss has been granted twenty days to comply with post-suspension duties.

Order Restraining Gary Zamber from Practicing Law

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has issued an order immediately restraining Gary Charles Zamber from practicing law. This action follows his conviction for federal felony wire fraud and conspiracy charges, which are crimes involving dishonesty.

HI Supreme Court Restrains Attorney Paul J. Sulla Jr. from Practicing Law

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has granted a petition to immediately restrain attorney Paul J. Sulla, Jr. from practicing law. This action follows his conviction for federal felonies including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and money laundering.

Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission Sanctions List FY25

The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission has published its list of sanctions and actions affecting licensure for Fiscal Year 2025. The list details disciplinary actions taken against attorneys, including reprimands, temporary suspensions, suspensions, and disbarments by consent, for violations of professional conduct rules.

Maryland Attorney Sanctions for Misconduct (FY22)

The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission has published a list of attorney sanctions for fiscal year 2022, including indefinite suspensions, reprimands, and disbarments. These actions were taken in response to various forms of professional misconduct, such as misappropriation of funds, failure to represent clients competently, and criminal acts.

Maryland Attorney Sanctions and Licensure Actions FY23

The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission has issued a list of sanctions and actions affecting attorney licensure for Fiscal Year 2023. These actions include reprimands, disbarments, and suspensions, detailing specific violations of professional conduct rules by attorneys practicing in Maryland.

Maryland Attorney Sanctions List FY24

The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission has published a list of sanctions for Fiscal Year 2024, including disbarments and suspensions. These actions address violations such as misappropriation of client funds, filing frivolous pleadings, and making false statements to Bar Counsel.

Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission Sanctions (FY2026)

The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission has issued sanctions against several attorneys for misconduct during Fiscal Year 2026. Actions include temporary suspensions, disbarment by consent, and indefinite suspensions, stemming from offenses such as criminal acts, dishonesty, failure to represent clients competently, and mishandling of client funds.

Idaho Attorney Ryan Jenks Resigns Bar After Child Sex Abuse Charges

The Idaho Supreme Court accepted the resignation of attorney Ryan D. Jenks in lieu of disciplinary proceedings following his guilty plea to a felony count of lewd conduct with a minor. His license to practice law in Idaho was terminated effective February 2, 2026.