Ghostwriting Pleadings Is Dishonest In Iowa

An attorney who accepted a new case and retainer fee 15 days after he had been suspended from practice had his law license revoked by the Iowa Supreme Court. One interesting aspect of the case involves the practice of "ghostwriting" pleadings, which the court condemns as conduct involving dishonesty and deceit. Here, the ghostwriting concealed the participation of the suspended lawyer in the representation.

The attorney also had an extensive record of prior discipline. "Our legal system depends on zealous advocates who are diligent and honest...[the revoked attorney] possesses neither of these qualities." (Mike Frisch)