Change In Status

The Supreme Court of Washington has disbarred an attorney as a result of the following:

This case involves an attorney who, when faced with revocation of his business license by the Department of Revenue (DOR), notified DOR he was ceasing his business but instead re-formed his practice from a "PLLC"to a "Inc., PS," and continued to operate. The attorney failed to notify DOR of his new status and removed the revocation order posted at his office. The hearing officer and the Washington State Bar Association's (WSBA) Disciplinary Board (Board) concluded that this conduct was dishonest, illegal, deceitful, and a misrepresentation of his intention to circumvent his tax liabilities and recommended we disbar [him]. We adopt the Board's recommendation.

Justice Sanders dissents, concluding that the majority cast the misconduct in "too sinister a light" and would suspend rather than disbar. (Mike Frisch)