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Michelle L. Malkin (WSBA No. 28633, admitted 1998), of Arlington Heights, Illinois, resigned in lieu of disbarment, effective June 28, 2010. Ms. Malkin affirmatively admitted that the WSBA could prove by a clear preponderance of the evidence sufficient violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct supporting disbarment, but did not affirmatively admit the facts and misconduct herein.
In April 2006, Ms. Malkin was hired by a Washington State nonprofit corporation to serve as its executive director. In connection with her duties as executive director, Ms. Malkin had access to the corporation's funds, checking accounts, credit cards, and debit cards. On multiple occasions while serving as executive director and without the knowledge or approval of the nonprofit's Board of Directors, Ms. Malkin used the corporation's funds, checking account, credit cards, and debit cards for her personal use, totaling at least $20,000. Ms. Malkin had no entitlement to use the funds for her personal use. In May 2008, upon discovering the alleged conduct, the nonprofit fired Ms. Malkin.
Ms. Malkin's conduct violated RPC 8.4(c), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
Joanne S. Abelson represented the Bar Association. Ms. Malkin was represented by Kenneth S. Kagan. |