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John C. Peick (WSBA No. 6249, admitted 1975) of Issaquah, resigned in lieu of discipline, effective 6/26/2023. Peick is aware of the alleged misconduct in disciplinary counsel’s Statement of Alleged Misconduct and rather than defend against the allegations, wishes to permanently resign from membership in the Association. The Statement of Alleged Misconduct reflects the following violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 1.15A (Safeguarding Property), 1.16 (Declining or Terminating Representation), 8.1 (Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters), 8.4(l) ELC violation.
Peick’s alleged conduct, as stated in disciplinary counsel’s Statement of Alleged Misconduct, related to his representation of a client in a personal injury matter, his representation of a client in defending a potential malpractice claim, and his non-cooperation with the grievance investigation. Peick’s alleged misconduct includes: 1) failing to promptly comply with Client A’s reasonable requests for information, and/or by failing to keep Client A reasonably informed about the status of the matter; 2) failing to take reasonable steps to resolve the reimbursement claim with Client A’s insurer; 3) failing to promptly deliver funds to Client A and/or Client A’s insurer, to which they were entitled; 4) failing to timely disburse Peick’s earned fees and/or by retaining funds belonging to Peick in Peick’s trust account; 5) failing to promptly respond to disciplinary counsel’s request for information and records; 6) failing to keep Client B reasonably informed about the status of the lawsuit and/or by failing to promptly comply with Client B’s reasonable requests for information; 7) withdrawing $230 of Client B’s funds from Peick’s trust account without providing Client B notice in writing before the withdrawal; 8) failing to provide a written accounting to Client B after withdrawing $230 from Peick’s trust account; 9) failing to give reasonable notice to Client B prior to Peick’s withdrawal from the lawsuit and/or by failing to refund any unearned portion of the $2,500 advanced fee.
Chris Chang acted as disciplinary counsel. William Gregory Lockwood represented Respondent. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains a link to the following document: Resignation Form of John C. Peick (ELC 9.3(b)).
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