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Darlene Ann Piper (WSBA No. 24244, admitted 1994) of Box Elder, WA, resigned in lieu of discipline, effective 1/29/2020. Piper agrees that she is aware of the alleged misconduct in disciplinary counsel’s Statement of Alleged Misconduct. Piper states that she does not agree with the allegations and has answered the Formal Complaint in her Answer, which is of record. Rather than defend against the allegations, Piper wishes to permanently resign from membership in the Association. The Statement of Alleged Misconduct reflects the following alleged violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.15A (Safeguarding Property), 3.3 (Candor Toward the Tribunal), 3.4 (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel), 8.4 (Misconduct).
Piper’s alleged misconduct, as stated in disciplinary counsel’s Statement of Alleged Misconduct, related to her practice in estate and probate law, and includes: 1) removing funds from a client’s trust account without entitlement; 2) converting funds from client A’s estate; 3) converting funds from person B to pay client A’s estate’s bequest to a third party; 3) making one or more misrepresentations to person B regarding a loan and the disposition of funds; and, 4) making one or more false and/or misleading statements in Piper’s bankruptcy schedules.
Francesca D'Angelo acted as disciplinary counsel. David P. Horton represented Respondent. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains a link to the following document: Resignation Form of Darlene Ann Piper (ELC 9.3(b)).
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