Discipline Notice - Brian J. Sunderland

License Number: 22665
Member Name: Brian J. Sunderland
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 9/18/2003
RPC:
Discipline Notice:
Description: Brian J. Sunderland (WSBA No. 22665, admitted 1993), of Clackamas, OR, received a reprimand by order of the Washington State Supreme Court imposing reciprocal discipline based on an order from the state of Oregon. This discipline is based on his neglect of an adoption matter between 1999 and 2001.

In August 1999, Mr. Sunderland agreed to represent clients in a stepparent adoption. He timely filed the petition and sent the notice for publication three months later. Service by publication was completed in August 2000. In September 2001, Mr. Sunderland requested that the Department of Children and Families (Department) waive the required home study. After sending additional documents in November 2000, Mr. Sunderland had no further contact with the Department. The Department granted the waiver in May 2001. The adoption was finalized in June 2001.

Mr. Sunderland's conduct violated Oregon Code of Professional Responsibility DR 6-101(B), prohibiting lawyers from neglecting legal matters entrusted to them.

Felice Congalton represented the Bar Association. Mr. Sunderland represented himself.


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