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Ronald W. Anderson (WSBA No. 7418, admitted 1977), of Lakewood, has received a censure pursuant to a stipulation approved by the Disciplinary Board on November 30, 2001. This discipline is based on his disclosure of client secrets and confidences in 2000. (Note: Ronald W. Anderson is to be distinguished from Ronald M. Anderson of Bellevue and Ronald E. Anderson of Bremerton.)
Mr. Anderson represented a client who sustained a closed brain injury in a collision. The client’s ex-wife alleged that the client threatened her in the courtroom after a December 2000 hearing. Mr. Anderson agreed to represent the client in his ex-wife’s anti-harassment petition; a hearing was set for January 9, 2001. On December 27, 2000, Mr. Anderson wrote the client that he would not continue to represent him unless the $9,776 balance owed on attorney’s fees was paid by January 3, 2001. On January 8, the client left a voice-mail terminating Mr. Anderson’s services. Mr. Anderson practiced out of his home and used the same telephone number for home and work.
At the beginning of the January 9, 2001 hearing, Mr. Anderson submitted a motion to withdraw from representing the client. His supporting declaration stated that the client "left a voice-mail at home" and that the client was "highly intoxicated and agitated." Mr. Anderson’s declaration also stated that he and his wife were afraid of the client. Subsequently, Mr. Anderson sued the client for unpaid fees. In the lawsuit, Mr. Anderson filed a "confidential memorandum" that he had previously sent to the client. The memorandum discussed the client’s "substance abuse and sales of controlled substances," prior criminal record, and harassment of the defendants in the personal injury suit.
Mr. Anderson’s conduct violated RPC 1.6, prohibiting a lawyer from revealing confidences or secrets relating to representation of a client unless the client consents after consultation.
Anne I. Seidel represented the Bar Association. Mr. Anderson represented himself.
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