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Matthew W. Butler (WSBA No. 27993, admitted 1998) of Seattle, WA, was suspended for three years, effective 3/07/2024, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Francisco Rodriguez acted as disciplinary counsel. Leland G. Ripley represented Respondent. Scott M. Ellerby was the hearing officer. Eric T. Krening was the settlement hearing officer.
The lawyer’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 3.4 (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel), 8.1 (Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters), 8.4(b) (Criminal Act), 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (Prejudicial to the Admin of Justice), 8.4(i) (Moral Turpitude, Corruption or Disregard of Rule of Law), 8.4(j) (Violate a Court Order), 8.4(l) (Violate a Duty or Sanction).
Butler was found to have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by: 1) causing a complaint that named the wrong defendant to be filed, and failing to respond to the motion to dismiss or appear at the hearing on that motion; 2) failing to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of the legal matter; 3) failing to appear for a supplemental examination after being served with the order to appear; 4) making false statements about the legal representation of a client; 5) failing to respond promptly to disciplinary counsel’s written requests for a response to the grievance; 6) testifying falsely under oath at the disciplinary depositions; and 8) committing the crimes of violation of a domestic violence court order and resisting arrest.
Decision documents: Disciplinary Board Order Approving Stipulation; Stipulation to Suspension; and Washington Supreme Court Order.
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