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Walter V. Waltz (WSBA No. 18787, admitted 1989) of Spokane, Washington, has been ordered disbarred by Order of the Supreme Court of Washington. The Supreme Court’s order of reciprocal discipline, pursuant to Rule 12.6 of the Rules for Lawyer Discipline, is based on a New Jersey Supreme Court order disbarring Waltz for disbursing legal fees to himself without authorization, attempting to conceal the disbursements, and failing to cooperate with the New Jersey ethics authorities.
On May 15, 1997, the Washington State Bar Association (the Association) filed with the Washington Supreme Court an order from the New Jersey Supreme Court order disbarring Waltz. On the same day, the Court issued an order directing the Association to issue a notice of reciprocal discipline to Waltz pursuant to RLD 12.6. This notice, served on Waltz on June 6, 1997, advised Waltz to inform the Court within 30 days of any claim that reciprocal discipline should not be imposed in this state.
Thereafter, Waltz filed a pleading with the Supreme Court alleging that reciprocal discipline was unwarranted because he was denied due process in the New Jersey proceeding. Waltz attached to this pleading copies of motions he filed in the New Jersey Supreme Court to reconsider and to vacate/stay the New Jersey order of disbarment. These motions also alleged Waltz was denied due process. The Washington Supreme Court then ordered investigation into whether Waltz had constitutionally adequate notice of the New Jersey Supreme Court disbarment proceedings.
The New Jersey Supreme Court subsequently denied Waltz’s motions to stay, to reconsider and to vacate. The Association and Waltz thereafter filed briefing with the Washington Supreme Court primarily concerning the alleged due process violation.
The Washington Supreme Court considered en banc the reciprocal discipline matter and imposed the reciprocal discipline.
The Association was represented by Disciplinary Counsel Maureen Devlin. Waltz represented himself.
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