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Chul Shirts (WSBA No. 24933, admitted 1995), of Vancouver was disbarred following a hearing, by order of the Supreme Court effective October 8, 2002 . This discipline was based on his conduct in 1999 and 2000 involving failure to properly account for client funds, failure to return unearned funds, charging unreasonable fees and lack of diligence.
During 1999 and 2000, Mr. Shirts represented seven different clients in parenting plan modifications or marriage dissolutions. In each case, the client paid Mr. Shirts an advance fee deposit. Mr. Shirts took some actions in each case, but did not complete any of these cases. In one case, Mr. Shirts failed to file proof of service, so the client was not able to complete the case. Mr. Shirts did not return his clients’ phone calls. In some cases, Mr. Shirts did not account for or return unearned fees. In some cases, Mr. Shirts did not return clients’ original documents.
Mr. Shirts’ conduct violated RPCs 8.4(b), prohibiting committing criminal acts that reflect adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their matters; 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 1.15(d), requiring lawyers to refund unearned fees upon termination of representation; 1.5(a), requiring lawyers fees to be reasonable.
Linda Eide represented the Bar Association. Mr. Shirts represented himself. David A. Thorner was the Hearing Officer.
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