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Rolando M. Adame (WSBA No. 16006, admitted 1986), of Moses Lake, was ordered to receive a reprimand on April 20, 2011. This discipline was based on conduct involving violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, misrepresentation, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
On May 21, 2009, the Washington State Supreme Court entered an Order of Suspension against Mr. Adame for nonpayment of licensing fees and failure to file a Professional Responsibility Disclosure Form. The effective date of Mr. Adame’s suspension was June 1, 2009. On May 26, 2009, an assistant in Mr. Adame’s office signed a certified mail receipt indicating that Mr. Adame acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Washington State Bar Association advising him of the suspension.
After the effective date of his suspension, Mr. Adame appeared in court on two matters over two days, including representing a client in a plea and sentencing hearing. Mr. Adame immediately discontinued the practice of law upon receiving notice of his suspension from a colleague. On his “Application for Change of Membership Status to Active” submitted to the Association in late June 2009 in support of reinstatement, Mr. Adame certified that he had not engaged in the practice of law in Washington during the period of his suspension. Mr. Adame knew at the time of making this certification that this was not a true statement.
The hearing officer found that Mr. Adame’s conduct violated RPC 5.8(a), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in the practice of law while on inactive status, or while suspended from the practice of law for any cause; RPC 8.4(a), prohibiting a lawyer from violating or attempting to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct; RPC8.4(c), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; and RPC 8.4(d), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Kevin M. Bank represented the Bar Association. Mr. Adame represented himself. Carl J. Carlson was the hearing officer.
Reprimanded |