| RPC: |
1.16 -
Declining or Terminating Representation
1.4 -
Communication
1.5 -
Fees
5.5 -
Unauthorized Practice of Law
5.8 -
Misconduct Involving Disbarred, Suspended, Resigned, or Inactive Lawyers
8.4 (c) -
Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
8.4 (i) -
Moral Turpitude
8.4 (j) -
Disobey Court Order
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| Description: |
Ryan M. Edgley, (WSBA No. 16171, admitted 1986), of Yakima, was disbarred, effective June 29, 2012, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following a default hearing. This discipline was based on conduct involving failure to notify clients of his suspension, failure to file an affidavit of compliance with Title 14 of the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct with the Association, and practicing law while suspended.
Mr. Edgley was suspended, effective March 5, 2008, for failure to comply with CLE requirements. He was reinstated on April 23, 2008 but was again suspended May 11, 2010, for failure to comply with CLE requirements. On June 3, 2010, following a hearing, Mr. Edgley was suspended for 6 months for practicing law while suspended between March 5, 2008 and April 23, 2008, failing to notify clients of his suspension, and failing to file an affidavit of compliance with Tile 14 of the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct (ELC). Mr. Edgley did not return to active status after his 6 months disciplinary suspension.
During the disciplinary suspension, and the subsequent administrative and interim in suspensions, Mr. Edgley continued to practice law and again failed to notify his clients of his suspension or file the required affidavit of compliance. Mr. Edgley remained on suspended status at the time of his disbarment.
Mr. Edgley’s conduct violated RPC 1.4(a), requiring a lawyer to communicate with the client; RPC 1.5(b)(1), requiring a lawyer to communicate to the client in writing the basis or rate of the fee; RPC 1.16(a)(1), prohibiting a lawyer from representation if it will result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct; RPC 1.16(d), requiring a lawyer upon termination of representation to take steps to protect the client’s interest, such as giving notice to the client, surrendering papers and property and refunding any advance payment of fee or expense that has not been earned or incurred; RPC 5.5(a), prohibiting a lawyer from practicing law in a jurisdiction in violation of the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction; 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; RPC 8.4(c), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; RPC 8.4(j), prohibiting a lawyer from disobeying or violating a court order directing him or her to do or cease doing an act which he or she out in good faith to do or forbear; and RPC 8.4(l), prohibiting a lawyer from violating a duty or sanction imposed by or under the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct in connection with a disciplinary matter.
Craig Bray represented the Association. Mr. Edgley did not appear, either in person or through counsel. Erik S. Bakke Sr. was the Hearing Officer.
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