Discipline Notice - Walter M. Hackett

License Number: 1055
Member Name: Walter M. Hackett
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 10/4/2005
RPC: 1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
Discipline Notice:
Description: Walter M. Hackett, Jr. (WSBA No. 1055, admitted 1968), of Bremerton received a reprimand on October 4, 2005, following approval of a stipulation by the Hearing Officer. This discipline is based on conduct involving failing to diligently represent a client and failing to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter.

On May 14, 2003, Mr. Hackett was hired by a client to enforce her interest in certain real property that the client and her deceased husband had transferred to a third party. Mr. Hackett failed to take reasonable steps to ascertain the type of instrument used for transferring the real property and whether the instrument was recorded. After incorrectly assuming that the property was transferred through a real estate contract, Mr. Hackett attempted to pursue forfeiture by filing an ineffective and deficient Notice of Forfeit and Declaration of Forfeiture. Mr. Hackett failed to respond to client inquiries regarding the status of the matter for seven months. After he eventually discovered that the property was transferred through a deed with the debt secured by a deed of trust, he failed to diligently pursue foreclosure on the property.

Mr. Hackett’s conduct violated RPC 1.3, requiring a lawyer to diligently represent a client; and RPC 1.4(b), requiring a lawyer to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit a client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.

Jonathan Burke represented the Bar Association. Mr. Hackett represented himself. Mr. Scott Ellerby was the hearing officer.


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