| Description: |
Gregory E. Grahn (WSBA No. 20312, admitted 1991, of Lakewood was disbarred effective April 16, 2003, by order of the Supreme Court following a stipulation. This discipline was based on his conduct in 2001 in a child support matter and failing to comply with duties on suspension of his license to practice law.
Matter 1 In 2001, Ms. K retained Mr. Grahn to represent her in a petition to increase her child support payments. Mr. Grahn filed the petition on March 9, 2001 and the court set a June 21, 2001 trial date. Prior to trial, Mr. Grahn filed a child support worksheet, but he did not file the required financial declaration, tax returns or pay stubs. Mr. Grahn also failed to attend the trial even though the clerk called him twice. The court then set child support at the lower amount proposed by the opposing party. Mr. Grahn failed to cooperate with the office of Disciplinary Counsel’s investigation of this matter.
Matter 2: From July 1999 through September 1999, Mr. Grahn’s license to practice law was suspended for failure to comply with the Continuing Legal Education requirements. Mr. Grahn continued to practice law during this license suspension. On October 1, 2001, Mr. Grahn was suspended by the Supreme Court after stipulating to ethical violations, including practicing during the CLE suspension and filing to notify his clients of the earlier suspension. Mr. Grahn did not notify all of his clients and opposing counsel of his October suspension. Mr. Grahn also continued to practice law through his paralegal during this suspension. Mr. Grahn failed to cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel’s investigation of this matter.
Mr. Grahn’s conduct violated: RPC 1.3 requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 8.4(d), prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; 1.15(a)(1) requiring lawyers to withdraw from representation if continuing results in an RPC violation; 5.5, prohibiting practicing law where doing so violates the RPCs; and RLD 8.2, prohibiting suspended lawyers from acting as a lawyer for another after the effective date of the suspension; RLD 8.1(a), imposing duties on suspended lawyers; 8.3, requiring lawyers to notify their clients and opposing counsel of an inability to act and file a notice of compliance; and RLD 2.8, requiring lawyers to fully and diligently cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel’s investigation.
Anne Seidel represented the Bar Association. Mr. Grahn represented himself.
|