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Geoffrey Colburn Cross (WSBA No. 3089, admitted 1968) of Tacoma, was suspended for nine months, effective 1/27/2022, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. The lawyer’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.6 (Confidentiality of Information), 1.9 (Duties to Former Clients).
In relation to his representation of a client in a criminal matter and his subsequent involvement in a related civil matter, the Disciplinary Board recommended, and the Supreme Court ordered, that Cross be suspended following a hearing. Cross was found to have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by providing to his client’s adversary’s counsel a written declaration containing a client confidence relating to their previous lawyer client relationship, without his client’s permission or informed consent.
Scott G. Busby and Benjamin Attanasio acted as disciplinary counsel. Pamela J. DeVet represented the respondent. John A. Bender, Jr. was the hearing officer. Carl J. Oreskovich was the settlement hearing officer. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Hearing Officer’s Decision; Disciplinary Board Order Adopting In Part, Reversing In Part, and Modifying In Part, Hearing Officer’s Decision; and Washington Supreme Court Order.
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