Discipline Notice - Sherrie Bennett

License Number: 12159
Member Name: Sherrie Bennett
Discipline Detail
Action: Censure
Effective Date: 5/1/1998
RPC: 3.3 - Candor Toward the Tribunal
8.4 (c) - Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
8.4 (d) - Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice
Discipline Notice:
Description: Sherrie Bennett (WSBA No. 12159, admitted 1981), of Seattle, has been ordered censured pursuant to a stipulation for discipline, approved May 1998 by the Disciplinary Board. The discipline is based upon a misrepresentation to the court in violation of RPC 3.3(a)(1,) which prohibits false statements of material fact or law to a tribunal, and RPC 8.4(c) & (d) which provide it is misconduct to engage in conduct that involves dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation or that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Bennett changed an agreed child-support order after it had been signed by the opposing party and the opposing lawyer. The changes increased the amount of support the opposing party would pay. Bennett placed her initials and the initials of the opposing lawyer next to the changes.
Bennett maintains that she had telephoned the opposing lawyer and left a message that she would make these changes and would enter the order a week later if she did not hear from the lawyer. The opposing lawyer denies receiving such a message. Bennett also maintains that she tried to reach the opposing lawyer from the courthouse before entering the order and was told the lawyer was in but unavailable to speak on the phone. Bennett did not attempt to send a revised order to the opposing lawyer for review and approval.
Bennett presented the order, as an agreed order, to the court ex parte. The Court entered the order. The Court later set aside the order, finding "changes to the order and fixing initials for another attorney with no ‘in fact’ agreement or permission was inappropriate," and imposed sanctions of $600 against Bennett. Bennett will also pay costs to the Bar Association of $750.
Respondent represented herself. Joy McLean represented the Bar Association.


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