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Stephen R. Thomas (WSBA No. 2388, admitted 1968), of Burien, received a reprimand on January 17, 2003, following a stipulation. The stipulation also required Mr. Thomas to submit his resignation to the WSBA within 60 days of the reprimand. Mr. Thomas resigned effective March 25, 2003. This discipline is based on his failure to diligently represent and communicate with a client in 2000.
In August 2000, Mr. Thomas agreed to represent the husband in a marriage dissolution action. Mr. Thomas filed the dissolution petition on August 23, 2000. On that same day, acting on his own behalf, the client obtained a temporary order of protection granting him exclusive use of the family residence. The wife retained counsel, who set a temporary restraining order hearing for August 20. Mr. Thomas told opposing counsel that he had to appear in a criminal case that day and asked for a continuance. Opposing counsel notified the judge of Mr. Thomas’ continuance request, but the judge entered an order allowing the wife to live in the house and requiring the client to vacate the home. Opposing counsel faxed the order to Mr. Thomas the next day, but Mr. Thomas did not notify his client. On October 3, 2000, the client’s wife, accompanied by police officers presented the order to the client, who left the house. The client talked to Mr. Thomas and believed that he was going to attempt to vacate the order. Mr. Thomas took no further action. The client retained substitute counsel who moved to vacate the order. Mr. Thomas refunded $777 to the client.
Mr. Thomas’ conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; and 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their matters.
Douglas J. Ende represented the Bar Association. Mr. Thomas represented himself.
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