| Description: |
Chris Jackman (WSBA No. 46182, admitted 2013) of Seattle, WA, was suspended for seven months, effective 3/02/2020, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Jackman’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.4 (Communication), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 8.4 (Misconduct).
In relation to his representation of a client in a personal injury claim, Jackman stipulated to seven-month suspension for the following: 1) making false statements to his client regarding communications from client’s insurer and insurer’s counsel regarding the terms of settlement, and by transmitting an altered release document to the client; and 2) making false statements to the client’s insurer’s counsel regarding communications from the client and the terms of settlement, and by transmitting to insurer’s counsel an original first page of the release document, when the client had signed a release containing an altered first page. Jackman did not act with intent to injure or defraud his client or client’s insurer, and did not act for his own financial benefit. As a result, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel could not prove by a clear preponderance of the evidence that Respondent committed the crime of forgery.
M. Craig Bray acted as disciplinary counsel. Leland G. Ripley represented Jackman. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Disciplinary Board Order Approving Stipulation; Stipulation to Suspension; and Washington Supreme Court Order.
|