Discipline Notice - J. M. Koch

License Number: 4249
Member Name: J. M. Koch
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 4/19/2012
RPC: 8.4 (c) - Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
Discipline Notice:
Description: J. Michael Koch (WSBA No. 4249, admitted 1971), of Silverdale, was ordered to receive a reprimand following approval of a stipulation
by the chief hearing officer on April 19, 2012. This discipline was based on conduct involving dishonesty. In November 2007, Clients hired Mr. Koch to represent them relating to injuries they
sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The insurance company which insured the other driver in the accident was represented by Attorney B. After Clients hired a new lawyer to represent them, Mr. Koch received a telephone call from Attorney B about Clients’ case and about a settlement offer. Attorney B mistakenly believed that Mr. Koch still represented Clients. Mr. Koch returned Attorney B’s call and did not inform Attorney B that he no longer represented Clients. He asked about dollar figures being offered by the insurance company, without informing Attorney B that he had no authority to settle Clients’ case. Five days later, Mr. Koch
sent Clients’ new lawyer a letter informing them of the offer made by Attorney B. Mr. Koch’s conduct violated RPC 8.4(c), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. Erica W. Temple represented the Bar Association. Anne I. Seidel represented Mr. Koch. Joseph Nappi Jr. is the chief hearing officer.


In some cases, discipline search results will not reveal all disciplinary action relating to a Washington licensed legal professional, and may not display links to the official decision documents. Click the "Important Information" button below for further details.

Important Information +

This discipline search accesses notices of disciplinary action since 1984, and for cases decided in 2013 or later, also generally includes the official decision documents. The search does not contain pre-1984 notices or records, and may not contain the official decision documents in cases decided before 2013. To obtain other records of discipline, including pre-1984 discipline documents, please make a public records request.

The action listed on the discipline notice does not in all cases reflect the current status of the legal professional's license. Check the Legal Directory for current status information.