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In re Crews

Citations: 267 Ga. 851; 483 S.E.2d 588; 97 Fulton County D. Rep. 1237; 1997 Ga. LEXIS 146Docket: S97Y0778

Court: Supreme Court of Georgia; April 14, 1997; Georgia; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Harold Burton Crews submitted a petition for the voluntary surrender of his law license following grievances filed by two former clients with the State Bar of Georgia. In his petition, Crews acknowledges abandoning both clients' cases and violating Standard 44 of Bar Rule 4-102 by failing to file pleadings and respond to court inquiries. The State Bar has no objections to his petition, and the review panel unanimously recommends its acceptance. The Court has reviewed the record, concurs with the panel's recommendation, and accepts Crews' petition, which equates to disbarment under Bar Rule 4-110 (f). Consequently, Harold Burton Crews' name will be removed from the list of individuals authorized to practice law in Georgia. He is reminded of his obligations under Bar Rule 4-219 (c), which includes protecting the interests of his clients. The decision is agreed upon by all Justices.

Legal Issues Addressed

Obligations Under Bar Rule 4-219 (c)

Application: Crews is reminded of his continuing obligations to protect client interests despite the acceptance of his petition for voluntary surrender.

Reasoning: He is reminded of his obligations under Bar Rule 4-219 (c), which includes protecting the interests of his clients.

Unanimous Agreement by Justices

Application: The decision to accept Crews' petition and remove his name from the list of authorized practitioners is unanimously agreed upon by all Justices.

Reasoning: The decision is agreed upon by all Justices.

Violation of Professional Conduct Standards

Application: Crews acknowledges his violation of Standard 44 of Bar Rule 4-102 by abandoning clients' cases and failing to fulfill professional duties.

Reasoning: In his petition, Crews acknowledges abandoning both clients' cases and violating Standard 44 of Bar Rule 4-102 by failing to file pleadings and respond to court inquiries.

Voluntary Surrender of Law License

Application: The court accepts the voluntary surrender of Harold Burton Crews' law license, equating it to disbarment due to grievances filed by former clients.

Reasoning: The Court has reviewed the record, concurs with the panel's recommendation, and accepts Crews' petition, which equates to disbarment under Bar Rule 4-110 (f).