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Tacoma lawyer Lauri J. Phillips (WSBA No. 24243, admitted 1994) has been suspended for two years pursuant to a stipulation for discipline approved November 20, 1996. The discipline is based upon abandonment of her practice without notifying her clients, in violation of RPCs 1.3 and 1.4.
Phillips was a sole practitioner in Tacoma for approximately 11 months. On or about October 14,1995, lawyer Phillips left Tacoma and her law practice without any notice to her clients. Phillips did not arrange for other lawyers to take her clients' cases nor assist clients with imminent court dates. On October 16, 1995, Phillips' paralegal informed the Bar Association that she arrived at work to find the office empty and abandoned. On October 17, 1995, the Disciplinary Board appointed a custodian of Phillips' client files, pursuant to RLD 8.6. Between October 1995 and March 1996, seven clients filed grievances against Phillips for failure to complete the work she agreed to perform. Many of the grievances also requested that Phillips return the unused portion of the nonrefundable advance fee deposit. In March 1996, the Bar Association located Phillips. After disciplinary counsel called Phillips, she agreed to respond to the grievances and refund the unearned advanced-fee deposits. In April and May 1996, she refunded the unearned advance fee deposits. One client continues to dispute the amount she received.
Respondent represented herself and disciplinary counsel Julie Shankland represented the Bar Association.
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