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John Grahame Bell (WSBA No. 4209, admitted 1968), of Seattle, was suspended for 60 days effective May 11, 2004, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following a default hearing. This discipline was based on his conduct in 2000 and 2001, involving lack of diligence in a family law matter. (Mr. Bell is to be distinguished from John E. Bell of Olympia and John H. Bell of Tacoma.)
In October 2000, Mr. Bell agreed to represent a client in a child-support-modification proceeding. The court granted Mr. Bell a continuance to respond to a pending motion. On November 3, Mr. Bell asked for another continuance because he was not prepared. The court continued the hearing to December 8 and awarded attorney's fees to the opposing party. The court continued the hearing to January 5, 2001, because it had not received Mr. Bell's response. Mr. Bell did not appear for the hearing or file a response. The client did not appear, because Mr. Bell told her the hearing was on January 12. The court conducted the hearing, raised Mr. Bell's client's child support approximately $700 per month, and awarded the opposing party attorney's fees. Mr. Bell's client file contained a supplemental declaration from his client explaining a sharp decrease in her income, which Mr. Bell did not file.
Mr. Bell's conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; and 3.2, requiring lawyers to expedite a client's litigation.
Kevin Bank represented the Bar Association. Mr. Bell represented himself. James M. Danielson was the hearing officer.
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