Discipline Notice - Dean S. Perkins

License Number: 15856
Member Name: Dean S. Perkins
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 4/13/2020
RPC: 1.4 - Communication
1.5 - Fees
1.6 - Confidentiality
1.8 - (post 9/1/2006) Conflict of Interest; Current Clients; Specific Rules
Discipline Notice: Order Approving Stipulation
Stipulation
Notice of Reprimand
Description: Dean Standish Perkins Jr. (WSBA No. 15856, admitted 1986) of Seattle, was reprimanded, effective 4/13/2020, by order of the hearing officer. Perkins’ conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees), 1.6 (Confidentiality of Information), 1.8 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules).

In relation to his representation of a client in a personal injury matter, Perkins stipulated to two reprimands. The client was, at the time of the representation, related to Perkins by marriage. Perkins stipulated to two reprimands for the following: 1) failing to promptly inform and/or obtain informed consent in writing from his client regarding terms of a fee splitting agreement with outside counsel; 2) taking a portion of a contingent fee without a written contingent fee agreement; 3) modifying the original fee agreement without (a) fully disclosing the terms,(b) advising or providing the client with an opportunity to consult independent counsel, (c) and/or obtaining the client's informed written consent; and 4) revealing information relating to his representation of his client and/or by failing to make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent disclosure and/or unauthorized access to information relating to the representation.

Sachia Stonefeld Powell and Emily Krueger acted as disciplinary counsel. Jeffrey T. Kestle and Roy A. Umlauf represented respondent. Seth A. Fine was the hearing officer. William J. Carlson was the settlement hearing officer. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Order on Stipulation to Reprimand; Stipulation to Reprimand; and Notice of Reprimand.


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