Discipline Notice - Paul J. Burns

License Number: 13320
Member Name: Paul J. Burns
Discipline Detail
Action: Disbarment
Effective Date: 8/9/2018
RPC: 1.15A - Safeguarding Property
1.16 - Declining or Terminating Representation
1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
1.5 - Fees
1.8 - (post 9/1/2006) Conflict of Interest; Current Clients; Specific Rules
4.1 - Truthfulness in Statements to Others
8.4 - Misconduct
Discipline Notice: Disciplinary Board Recommendation
Supreme Court Order
Hearing Officer's Decision
Description: Paul James Burns (WSBA No. 13320, admitted 1983) of Spokane, was disbarred, effective 8/09/2018, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. The lawyer’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees), 1.8 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules), 1.15A (Safeguarding Property), 1.16 (Declining or Terminating Representation), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 8.4 (Misconduct). Joanne S. Abelson and Marsha Matsumoto acted as disciplinary counsel. Brett Andrews Purtzer represented Respondent. William E. Fitzharris, Jr. was the hearing officer. James S. Craven was the settlement hearing officer. The online version of NWLawyer contains links to the following documents: Hearing Officer’s Decision; Disciplinary Board Recommendation; and Washington Supreme Court Order.


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