Practice Pointer: Stop Using Letterhead When Suspended

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court imposed a two-year suspension of an attorney who, among other things, failed to secure a divorce for a client who had retained him for that purpose. The client died while still married.

The attorney was suspended for failure to complete CLE obligations. He did not advise the client of the suspension.

In a second matter, the attorney was retained in an adoption matter. When he later returned the fee, he did so using a letterhead that reflected he was an active bar member. He was not. The use of the letterhead was an additional ethical violation.

The attorney did not participate in the disciplinary case. (Mike Frisch)