Narrative Opinion Summary
Steven Hyman Hurwitz voluntarily surrendered his law license following a disciplinary petition under Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Hurwitz admitted to representing clients without fulfilling his obligations after receiving payment, leading to a breakdown in communication and failure to refund the fees. His actions constituted a willful abandonment of client cases, violating Rule 1.3 of Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The State Bar supported the acceptance of his petition, asserting it served the public interest. The Court agreed to accept the petition, resulting in Hurwitz's removal from the rolls of licensed attorneys in Georgia. He was reminded of his obligations under Bar Rule 4-219 (c). The decision was made on June 18, 2012, with all Justices concurring.
Legal Issues Addressed
Court Approval of License Surrendersubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The Court accepted Hurwitz's petition for license surrender, removing him from the rolls of licensed attorneys.
Reasoning: The Court agreed to accept the petition, resulting in Hurwitz's removal from the rolls of licensed attorneys in Georgia.
Obligations Under Disciplinary Rulessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Hurwitz was reminded of his continuing obligations under specific Bar Rules following his license surrender.
Reasoning: He was reminded of his obligations under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Public Interest in Disciplinary Actionssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The State Bar supported the petition, asserting that accepting the voluntary surrender served the public interest.
Reasoning: The State Bar supported the acceptance of his petition, asserting it served the public interest.
Violation of Professional Conduct Rulessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Hurwitz's failure to fulfill client obligations and to refund fees constituted a violation of the professional conduct rules.
Reasoning: Hurwitz admitted to representing clients without fulfilling his obligations after receiving payment, leading to a breakdown in communication and failure to refund the fees.
Voluntary Surrender of Law Licensesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney, Steven Hyman Hurwitz, voluntarily surrendered his law license as part of the disciplinary proceedings.
Reasoning: Steven Hyman Hurwitz voluntarily surrendered his law license following a disciplinary petition under Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.
Willful Abandonment of Client Casessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Hurwitz's actions were deemed a willful abandonment of client cases, violating specific professional conduct rules.
Reasoning: His actions constituted a willful abandonment of client cases, violating Rule 1.3 of Bar Rule 4-102 (d).