Discipline Notice - Christopher D. Browne

License Number: 24302
Member Name: Christopher D. Browne
Discipline Detail
Action: Suspension
Effective Date: 3/7/2003
RPC: 1.14 - (prior to 9/1/2006) Preserving Identity of Funds and Property of a Client
8.4 (b) - Criminal Act
8.4 (c) - Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
Discipline Notice:
Description: Christopher Browne (WSBA No. 24302, admitted 1994), of Tacoma was suspended for eighteen months effective March 7, 2003, by order of the Supreme Court following a hearing. This discipline is based on his failure to preserve client funds in 2000.
In June 2000, Mr. Browne received a client’s $6,107.64 worker compensation check. Mr. Browne took $1,250 in cash and deposited the remaining funds into his trust account. In July 2000, Mr. Browne removed $5,350 from his trust account for his own purposes. By August 3, 2000, the balance in Mr. Browne’s trust account was negative and he had not disbursed the client’s worker compensation payment. In September 2000, Mr. Browne issued a $5,100 check to his client.
Mr. Browne’s conduct violated RPCs 1.14, requiring lawyers to preserve client funds; RPC 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; RPC 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
Michael Deleo and Leslie Allen represented the Bar Association. Michael Austin Stewart represented Mr. Browne. Waldo Stone was the Hearing Officer.


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