Discipline Notice - Philip M. Kleinsmith

License Number: 23517
Member Name: Philip M. Kleinsmith
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 3/20/2012
RPC: 1.1 - Competence
1.16 - Declining or Terminating Representation
1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
1.5 - Fees
5.3 - Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
8.4 (d) - Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice
Discipline Notice:
Description: Philip M. Kleinsmith, (WSBA No. 23517, admitted 1994), of Colorado Springs, CO, was reprimanded, effective October 15, 2012, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court imposing reciprocal discipline in accordance with an order of the Supreme Court of the State of Arizona. For more information, see State Bar of Arizona, available at http://www.azbar.org/FindALawyer?name=Philip+Kleinsmith&keyword=
Mr. Kleinsmith’s conduct violated Arizona RPC ER 1.1, requiring a lawyer to provide competent representation to a client; Arizona RPC ER 1.3, requiring a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; Arizona RPC ER 1.4, requiring a lawyer to communicate with client; Arizona RPC ER 1.5, prohibiting a lawyer from making an agreement for, charge, or collect an unreasonable fee or an unreasonable amount for expenses; Arizona RPC ER 1.16, prohibiting a lawyer from representing a client or, where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a client; Arizona RPC ER 5.3, requiring a lawyer to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the nonlawyer’s conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer; and Arizona RPC ER 8.4(d), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Joanne Abelson represented the Bar Association. Mr. Kleinsmith represented himself.


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