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Jeffrey R. Bunch (WSBA No. 21790, admitted 1992), of Spokane, was disbarred October 29, 2002, by order of the Supreme Court, following a stipulation. Mr. Bunch did not admit the allegations, but agreed that there is a substantial likelihood that these facts would be proven at hearing. This discipline was based on his failure to protect client funds, criminal acts and dishonest conduct in 2000 and 2001.
Between February 29, 2000 and December 31, 2001, Mr. Bunch withdrew $63,489.30 from his trust account to which he was not entitled. Between January 2000 and July 9, 2001, he withdrew $16,000 from his trust account that was to satisfy a Department of Labor and Industries lien claim. During this time, Mr. Bunch also allowed earned fees to accumulate in his trust account and deposited his own funds into his trust account. By January 24, 2002, when the balance in Bunch’s trust account was zero, $21,359.68 in client funds was missing. Mr. Bunch did not have a meaningful system to reconcile his trust account and did not keep client ledgers.
Mr. Bunch’s conduct violated RPCs 1.14, requiring lawyers to place client funds in an interest bearing account; keep the client funds separate from the lawyer’s funds; and maintain complete records of these client funds; 8.4(b), prohibiting lawyers from committing criminal acts that reflect adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; and 8.4 (c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
Leslie Allen represented the Bar Association. Mr. Bunch represented himself.
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