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Thomas G. Batson (WSBA No. 20888, admitted 1991), of Seattle, has been disbarred by order of the Supreme Court effective May 31, 2001, following a stipulation. The discipline is based upon his admission that the Bar Association could prove that he knowingly converted client funds from his trust account in 2000.
Between January and August 2000, Mr. Batson removed $49,314.40 from his trust account. These funds, which did not belong to Mr. Batson, were paid to himself and others for office expenses. Between February 4 and April 10, 2000, Mr. Batson failed to disburse a client’s share of settlement proceeds, telling the client that the funds had not been received. When the client found out that Mr. Batson had the funds, and then confronted him, Mr. Batson wrote him a check that was not supported by sufficient funds. Later, the client did receive the funds. Mr. Batson did not admit the allegations in the stipulation, but agreed that if the case proceeded to hearing, the Bar Association would be able to prove the allegations.
Mr. Batson’s conduct violated RPCs 1.14, requiring lawyers to preserve the identity of client funds; and 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
Joy McLean represented the Bar Association. Kurt Bulmer represented Mr. Batson.
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