Discipline Notice - Stephen G. Smith

License Number: 11185
Member Name: Stephen G. Smith
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 7/9/2003
RPC: 1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
1.5 - Fees
Discipline Notice:
Description: Stephen G. Smith (WSBA No. 11185, admitted 1980), of Falls City, was ordered to receive a reprimand, following a stipulation approved by Hearing Officer Nancy K. McCoid. This discipline is based on his conduct in 2000 involving lack of diligence and charging an unreasonable fee in an immigration matter.
In March or April 2000, Mr. Smith agreed to represent a client in an immigration matter. Ms. D. paid Mr. Smith $1,900.00 to assist a relative’s immigration from Vietnam. Mr. Smith met with Ms. D. and the client once. Mr. Smith opened his file in the client’s name and did not cross reference it to Ms. D.’s name. When Ms. D. called Mr. Smith’s office, he did not recognize her name or return her calls. Ms. D. asked Mr. Smith to refund her fees and return the file. Mr. Smith could not immediately locate the file. He agreed to refund the fees and sent Ms. D. $500 in May 2002. In September 2002, when the Association provided Mr. Smith the relatives’ name, he located and returned the file, and refunded the remaining fee.
Mr. Smith’s conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; and 1.5, requiring that lawyers charge reasonable fees.
Anne I Seidel represented the Bar Association. Stephen G. Smith represented himself. Nancy K. McCoid was the Hearing Officer.


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