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Gwyn Elizabeth Staton (WSBA No. 9419, admitted 1979) of Seattle, was reprimanded, effective 8/18/2021, by order of the Chief Hearing Officer. Staton’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients), 1.8 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules).
In relation to her representation of Client A in a property distribution matter and subsequent dispute over debts owed to Staton by Client A, Staton stipulated to a reprimand for: 1) representing Client A while simultaneously representing Client B in connection with a hearing when there was significant risk that one client’s representation may be materially limited by the other client’s representation, and by continuing to represent Client A when there was significant risk that the representation may be materially limited by Staton’s personal interests as Client A’s creditor, customer, and having claims against Client A for theft and/or conversion; and 2) engaging in business transactions with Client A, including a promissory note, deed of trust, and subsequent loans to Client A, when the terms were not fair and reasonable and were not fully conveyed in writing, and when Client A did not give informed consent confirmed in writing as to the essential terms of the transactions.
Jonathon Burke and Marsha Matsumoto acted as disciplinary counsel. Anne Seidel represented Respondent. 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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