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Allison J. Lyon (WSBA No. 8484, admitted 1978), of Edmonds, has been ordered disbarred from the practice of law pursuant to a stipulation approved by the Supreme Court on June 24, 1998. The Court also ordered Lyon to pay the costs of disciplinary proceedings in the amount of $1,445.55, the costs of prior disciplinary proceedings in the amount of $3,024.51, and restitution in the amount of $2,500. The discipline is based upon his neglect of two cases, failure to communicate with clients, misrepresentation of the status of one case, and failure to protect his client’s interests upon discharge, in violation of RPC 1.3, 1.4, 8.4(c), and 1.15(d). The discipline is also based upon his failure to cooperate with the Bar Association’s investigation, in violation of RLD 2.8, and his conduct in practicing law while suspended, in violation of RLD 1.1(l), 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.
In July 1995, Lyon was retained to review an exceptional sentence given to his client by the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board ("the Board"). Lyon received a fee of $2,500. He visited his client once in prison to discuss the case. Subsequently, he and his client exchanged letters, and Lyon assured his client that he would review records at the Board. Lyon states that he reviewed the records and researched the legal issues, but never advised his client regarding the merits of the case, nor did he return calls from the client and the client’s spouse.
Lyon was also retained to represent a 12-year-old boy who was severely injured by a dog. After conducting some preliminary investigation and research, he wrote to the dog’s owners and offered to settle the case. When the owners did not respond, Lyon waited two years before filing a lawsuit, then failed to make reasonable efforts to serve the dog’s owners. The client’s parents became concerned regarding delays, so they discharged Lyon and requested the file. Lyon failed to turn over the file until the Bar Association served him with a subpoena. Moreover, Lyon failed to notify the court of his discharge. As a result, the client did not receive notice when the court dismissed the lawsuit for want of prosecution.
The above misconduct occurred while Lyon was under the supervision of a probation monitor for a prior discipline case in which he failed to provide competent representation, failed to communicate with clients, and failed to cooperate with the investigation. Furthermore, Lyon did not cooperate with the Bar Association’s investigation of these grievances.
Finally, on September 4, 1997, Lyon was ordered suspended from the practice of law by the Supreme Court based upon his failure to comply with the 1994 to 1996 Continuing Legal Education Requirements. He was notified of the suspension by the Supreme Court and Disciplinary Counsel. While suspended, Lyon continued to work as a staff attorney for a legal services office.
Respondent represented himself. Disciplinary Counsel Marsha Matsumoto represented the Bar Association.
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