Discipline Notice - Michael Olufemi Ewetuga

License Number: 37596
Member Name: Michael Olufemi Ewetuga
Discipline Detail
Action: Suspension
Effective Date: 1/17/2024
RPC: 1.4 - Communication
1.5 - Fees
1.8 - (post 9/1/2006) Conflict of Interest; Current Clients; Specific Rules
Discipline Notice: Hearing Officer's Recommendation
Disciplinary Board Order Adopting Hearing Officer's Decision
Supreme Court Order
Description: Michael Olufemi Ewetuga (WSBA No. 37596, admitted 2006) of Tacoma, WA, was suspended for six months, effective 1/17/2024, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Nate Blanchard acted as disciplinary counsel. Michael Olufemi Ewetuga represented themselves . Randolph O. Petgrave, III was the hearing officer. Seth A. Fine was the settlement hearing officer.
The lawyer’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees), 1.8 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules).
The Hearing Officer recommended, and the Supreme Court ordered, that Ewetuga be suspended from the practice of law in Washington State for six months, to undergo 24 months of probation, and pay restitution to the Grievant. Respondent’s payment of restitution to the Grievant is a required precondition to Respondent’s return from suspension.
Ewetuga was found to have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by 1) engaging in a sexual relationship with a client during representation and 2) failing to state and/or explain the change in the rate or basis of Respondent’s fee.
Decision documents: Hearing Officer’s Recommendation; Disciplinary Board Order Declining Sua Sponte Review and Adopting Hearing Officer’s Recommendation; and Washington Supreme Court Order.


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