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Jeffrey B. Ranes (WSBA No.7732, admitted 1977), of Montesano was disbarred effective May 8, 2002, by order of the Supreme Court following a default hearing. This discipline is based on his conduct during 1998 through 2000, involving dishonesty, deceit, fraud or misrepresentation.
Matter 1: In January 1995, Mr. Ranes agreed to represent a client in a personal injury claim based on a 1993 car accident. In October and December 1997, the insurance company’s lawyer sent Mr. Ranes a list of potential arbitrators. Mr. Ranes did not respond to these letters until June 1998. In November 1998, the case settled and the insurance company issued a check to Mr. Ranes and the client. The check, containing a false endorsement for the client, was deposited into Mr. Ranes’ trust account. Mr. Ranes’ office returned a signed release to the insurance company, but the client’s signature on the release was not genuine. Mr. Ranes instructed his secretary to notarize the false signature. On January 22, 1999, three days prior to expiration of the statute of limitations, Mr. Ranes filed a complaint against the insurance company to compel payment of his client’s medical bills. Mr. Ranes either directed or allowed his secretary to sign the client’s name on the complaint and falsely notarize the signature. Mr. Ranes, without the client’s knowledge or permission, agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, if the insurance company agreed to consider the client’s claims. Mr. Ranes’ failed to return the client’s phone calls during the representation.
Matter 2: On November 17, 2000, the Disciplinary Board approved Mr. Ranes’ stipulation to reprimand and restitution in an unrelated matter. Mr. Ranes agreed to pay the client $750 in restitution no later than 30 days after the Board approved the stipulation. He also agreed to pay the Association $1500 to cover costs and expenses within 30 days. Mr. Ranes did not pay the restitution or costs as agreed. He also failed to respond to the Association’s requests for an explanation of his failure to make the payments.
Mr. Ranes’ conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their matters and explain matters to the extent necessary to allow clients to make informed decisions regarding the representation; 1.2(a), requiring lawyers to abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of the representation; 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer; 8.4(a), prohibiting knowingly assisting or inducing another to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct; and 5.3 requiring lawyers having direct supervisory authority over non lawyer assistant’s to make reasonable efforts to ensure that they comply with the RPCs.
Jonathan Burke represented the Bar Association. Mr. Ranes represented himself. Julian Dewell was the hearing officer.
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