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Daniel A. Suchman (WSBA No. 30832, admitted 2000), of Bainbridge Island, received a reprimand effective June 17, 2004, following a stipulation approved by the hearing officer. This discipline is based on his conduct in 2002 involving discovery violations and practicing law beyond the authority of his limited license.
In November 2000, Mr. Suchman was admitted to the limited practice of law in Washington as in-house counsel for a Florida corporation. Mr. Suchman received a full license to practice law in the state of Washington on March 28, 2003.
In March 2002, Mr. Suchman, through counsel, filed a defamation lawsuit. In June 2002, Mr. Suchman filed a "Notice of Appearance as Pro Se Attorney." In August 2002, opposing counsel deposed Ms. W, a witness in the defamation case. At the deposition, Mr. Suchman's counsel introduced himself as counsel for Mr. Suchman and the witness, and then left the deposition. Mr. Suchman then introduced himself as "attorney pro se and as attorney-general counsel for Ms. W, the deponent today." The defamation lawsuit was unrelated to the Florida corporation, and Mr. Suchman was not admitted in Washington pro hac vice. During the deposition, Mr. Suchman made many objections and advised the witness that she did not need to answer many questions. Opposing counsel filed a motion to strike the deposition based on Mr. Suchman's obstructive behavior. Mr. Suchman voluntarily dismissed his complaint prior to a ruling on the motion.
Mr. Suchman's conduct violated RPC 5.5(a), prohibiting a lawyer from practicing in a jurisdiction where doing so violates the regulations of the legal profession in that jurisdiction; and 3.4(d), requiring lawyers to make reasonably diligent efforts to comply with legally proper discovery requests by opposing parties.
Linda B. Eide represented the Bar Association. Kurt Bulmer represented Mr. Suchman. Peter A. Matty was the hearing officer. |