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Tuella O. Sykes (WSBA No. 36179, admitted 2005) of Seattle, was reprimanded, effective 3/29/2023, by order of the Hearing Officer. Sykes’ conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions), 5.3 (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants).
In relation to her representation of Client A and Client B in two separate bankruptcy matters, Sykes stipulated to two reprimands for: 1) failing to file Client A’s bankruptcy petition for 26 months; 2) failing to adequately supervise Sykes’ paralegal’s work on Client A’s case to ensure that there was sufficient communication and that the matter moved forward; 3) failing to communicate with Client A and respond to Client A’s reasonable requests for information; 4) failing to provide Client B with competent representation, including the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation; and 5) bringing a proceeding against an opposing party, and/or asserting an issue therein, without “a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.”
Sachia Stonefeld Powell acted as disciplinary counsel. Jeffrey T. Kestle represented Respondent. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Order Approving Stipulation; Stipulation to Two Reprimands; Notice of Reprimand.
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