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Dalwyn T. Dean (WSBA No. 7332, admitted 1977), of New Jersey was disbarred effective May 29, 2003, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court based on an order for discipline from the state of New Jersey. This discipline was based on her conduct between 1995 and 1998 involving misappropriation of client funds.
The Supreme Court of New Jersey found that Ms. Dean committed 11 counts of knowing misappropriation. In 1995, Ms. Dean met Mr. S. Mr. S., a convicted felon, was the director of a program providing assistance to individuals recently released from prison. Over the next two years, Ms. Dean allowed Mr. S. to become increasingly involved with her law practice. By 1996, Mr. S. answered phones, met with clients and handled trust account transactions. Mr. S. deposited several checks Ms. Dean wrote to clients in his own business account. Clients complained and the trust account did not balance, but Ms. Dean did not properly investigate the cause of these problems. Ms. Dean did not supervise or train Mr. S. Ms. Dean allowed Mr. S. to take approximately $66,000 in client funds. The New Jersey court found that Ms. Dean’s “willful blindness” equated to knowing misappropriation.
Ms. Dean’s conduct violated New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15, requiring lawyers to safeguard client property.
Felice Congalton represented the Bar Association. Ms. Dean represented herself.
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