Discipline Notice - Michael A. Atkins

License Number: 18828
Member Name: Michael A. Atkins
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 6/12/1997
RPC: 8.4 (c) - Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
8.4 (d) - Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice
Discipline Notice:
Description: Seattle lawyer Michael A. Atkins (WSBA No. 18828, admitted 1989) has been ordered reprimanded pursuant to a stipulation for discipline, approved June 12, 1997. In 1993, Atkins represented the victim of an alleged criminal assault. No civil action was filed; criminal charges were, however, brought against the alleged assailant. In the course of Atkins’ representation, he called both the alleged assailant and his appointed criminal lawyer. Atkins made statements to both individuals which were reasonably interpreted by them as an offer that, in exchange for money, the victim would make a statement that the incident was an accident and would not disclose her address to the prosecutors. By making these statements, Atkins violated Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation) and/or Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.) The hearing officer was Thomas Bigsby of Everett. Respondent was represented by Leland G. Ripley. The Bar Association was represented by disciplinary counsel Maureen Devlin and Julie Shankland.


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