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Michael A. McKean (WSBA No. 4438, admitted 1971), of Seattle, has been disbarred by order of the Supreme Court effective May 31, 2001, following a hearing. The discipline is based upon his pleading guilty to six felonies reflecting adversely on his honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer.
In 1973, Mr. McKean became a general partner with Mr. W in a large number of federally subsidized housing projects. There were many limited partners with investments in these projects. When Mr. W was removed as general partner for failing to fulfill his duties, Mr. McKean took over these responsibilities in addition to his previous responsibilities. Mr. McKean used the project funds to remodel his home and for other personal expenses. He also paid out project funds before the projects were completed, and used his personal funds to start or pay construction expenses, which he later reimbursed to himself. He operated in a manner intended to complete the projects without regard to legal requirements. During a federal investigation of Mr. W, Mr. McKean’s conduct was discovered.
On March 3, 1998, Mr. McKean pleaded guilty to bank fraud, making a false request for a loan advance, making a false cost certificate, accepting an unlawful payment from a bank, presenting a forged cashier’s check, and filing a false tax return. On June 5, 1998, the court sentenced Mr. McKean to 21 months at the federal camp at Sheridan, Oregon, three years’ probation, and $300,000 restitution.
Mr. McKean’s conduct violated RLD 1.1(a), prohibiting committing an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption; RPCs 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; and 8.4(c), prohibiting engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
Richard M. Clinton represented the Bar Association. Mr. McKean represented himself.
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