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John L. Meader (WSBA No. 14672, admitted 1984), of Camas, was suspended for six months, effective October 18, 2007, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following approval of a stipulation by the Disciplinary Board. This discipline resulted from conduct involving the filing of improper attorney liens.
Between January 2004 and July 2005, to secure payment of attorney fees owed by clients in six different dissolution matters, Mr. Meader filed notices of attorney’s liens against the real property of clients, of clients and their spouses, and of third persons in violation of RCW 60.40.010. By filing the liens, Mr. Meader engaged in the following conduct which gave rise to the discipline:
• Violated the order of the Clark County Superior Court prohibiting the encumbrance of a client’s property, thereby impeding the dissolution proceedings;
• Encumbered real property of a client’s former spouse in one matter and, in two other matters, encumbered real property owned by third persons in order to obtain fees owed by clients; and
• Filed a lien on, and acquired an interest in, the marital home of a client, which was the subject matter of the litigation.
Mr. Meader’s conduct violated former RPC 1.8(j), prohibiting a lawyer from acquiring a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of litigation the lawyer is conducting for a client, except that the lawyer may acquire a lien granted by law to secure the lawyer’s fees and expenses and contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case; RPC 3.4(c), prohibiting a lawyer from knowingly disobeying an obligation under the rules of a tribunal; former RPC 4.4, prohibiting a lawyer in the course of representing a client from using means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person; and RPC 8.4(d), prohibiting a lawyer from engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Kathleen A.T. Dassel represented the Bar Association. Mr. Meader represented himself. |