Discipline Notice - Robert H. Lewis

License Number: 23635
Member Name: Robert H. Lewis
Discipline Detail
Action: Disbarment
Effective Date: 3/26/2003
RPC: 1.14 - (prior to 9/1/2006) Preserving Identity of Funds and Property of a Client
1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
3.2 - Expediting Litigation
8.4 (c) - Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
8.4 (l) - Violate ELCs
Discipline Notice:
Description: Robert H. Lewis (WSBA No. 23635, admitted 1994), of Tacoma ,was disbarred effective March 26, 2003, by order of the Supreme Court, following a hearing. This discipline was based on his conduct in 2001 involving, abandoning his practice without notice to his clients, failing to disburse client funds upon request, lack of diligence and failure to cooperate with the disciplinary process.
Matter 1: In May 2001, Mr. Lewis received a $4152 settlement check for Ms. W, incarcerated client. He gave the client $100, disbursed $150 to himself and deposited the rest in his trust account. In June and July 2001, Mr. Lewis used client funds from his trust account for his personal expenses, writing checks to Safeway, Top Foods and Walmart, among others. Mr. Lewis was not able to pay Ms. W her settlement funds and gave her a promissory note. Mr. Lewis did not pay the client the promised funds. Mr. Lewis failed to cooperate with the disciplinary process, including the trust account audit.
Matter 2: In March 2001, Mr. Lewis agreed to represent the husband in a marriage dissolution action. In March, the client asked Mr. Lewis to prepare temporary orders. Mr. Lewis prepared the pleadings in May and set a hearing for June. Mr. Lewis later cancelled the hearing due to his own “medical emergency.” Mr. Lewis took no further action on the clients case and filed a notice of withdrawal in September 2001.
Mr. Lewis’ conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep their clients reasonably informed of the status of their matters; 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; 1.14, requiring lawyers to keep complete records of client funds and to promptly disburse funds to clients upon request; and RLD 2.8, requiring lawyers to promptly comply with requests for information during the disciplinary process; 4.10(g), requiring lawyers to attend disciplinary hearings if given a notice to attend.
Anthony Butler represented the Bar Association. Mr. Lewis represented himself. Lish Whitson was the hearing officer.


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