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Reginald Johnson (WSBA No. 26726, admitted 1997), of Tacoma, WA was disbarred , effective March 27, 2003, by order of the Supreme Court, following a hearing. This discipline was based on 44 acts of misconduct involving 14 clients from 1999 through 2002.
In late 1999 or early 2000, Mr. Johnson began working on a contract basis for a landlord services company (company). The company provided eviction and collection services for landlord clients. Mr. Johnson signed pleadings prepared and selected by company staff and appeared in court. Mr. Johnson usually did not meet with the clients or review the files prior to signing the pleadings. In 2001 and 2002, Mr. Johnson authorized company staff to sign his name on pleadings he had not reviewed. Mr. Johnson assisted the company’s unauthorized practice of law. The company paid Mr. Johnson a fee for each order entered and also he also received a flat fee for time spent in the company offices.
The facts in this matter involved 44 counts of misconduct with 14 clients and the Bar Association. During 2000 and 2001, while working for landlord clients Mr. Johnson: failed to notify clients of hearings; failed to attend hearings; failed to respond to motions, resulting in sanctions and attorneys fees imposed against himself and his clients; obtained default orders against tenants although they served answers; filed motions in previously dismissed actions; signed pleadings without investigating any of the information or contacting the clients; pursued eviction actions knowing the tenants had filed bankruptcy petitions; purported to represent clients without authorization; filed eviction proceedings knowing that the tenant had insufficient notice; and provided false information to the court and to the Bar Association.
Mr. Johnson’s conduct violated RPCs 1.1, requiring lawyers to provide competent representation; 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their matters; 1.8(f ), prohibiting lawyers from accepting compensation from a person other than the client, unless the client consents and there is no interference with the lawyer-client relationship or the lawyer’s professional judgment; 3.1, prohibiting bringing or defending frivolous claims; 3.3(f), requiring lawyers, in ex-parte proceedings, to inform the tribunal of all relevant facts, whether or not they are adverse; 3.5(b), prohibiting ex-parte communication with the tribunal; 5.4(c), prohibiting allowing the lawyer’s employer to direct the lawyer’s professional judgment; 5.5(b), prohibiting assisting non-lawyers with the unauthorized practice of law; 5.5(c), prohibiting the lawyer from allowing his name to be used by a non-lawyer in the unauthorized practice of law; 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act reflecting adversely on the lawyers honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; 8.4(d), prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; RLD 1.1(d); prohibiting acting as a person’s lawyer without authority; and RLD 1.1(p), prohibiting conduct demonstrating unfitness to practice law.
Jonathan Burke represented the Bar Association. Mr. Johnson represented himself. Steven Hale was the Hearing Officer.
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