Narrative Opinion Summary
In a disciplinary proceeding, an attorney from Las Vegas faced a formal complaint in Kansas for multiple allegations, including lack of competence, inadequate client communication, dishonest conduct, and non-cooperation with the disciplinary process. Prior to resolution, the attorney voluntarily surrendered his law license under Supreme Court Rule 217 amidst these allegations and a felony conviction for theft in Johnson County. The Kansas Supreme Court reviewed the Disciplinary Administrator's files and accepted the surrender of his license, resulting in his disbarment. With this disbarment, the attorney's license was revoked, and his name was removed from the roll of licensed attorneys. The disbarment order was mandated to be published in the official Kansas Reports, and the attorney was charged with the costs of the proceedings, required to comply with Supreme Court Rule 218. This case underscores the serious consequences of misconduct and felony convictions for legal practitioners.
Legal Issues Addressed
Attorney Misconduct and Disciplinary Proceedingssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney faced a formal complaint alleging lack of competence, failure to act within the scope of representation, lack of diligence, poor communication with clients, dishonest conduct involving theft and forgery, and non-cooperation with the disciplinary process.
Reasoning: At the time of the surrender, a formal complaint was pending against him, alleging several misconducts, including lack of competence, failure to act within the scope of representation, lack of diligence, poor communication with clients, dishonest conduct involving theft and forgery, and non-cooperation with the disciplinary process.
Disbarment Following Felony Convictionsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney was disbarred following his conviction of felony theft, reinforcing the standard that felony convictions lead to disbarment.
Reasoning: Additionally, Allen was a convicted felon, having been found guilty of felony theft in Johnson County, Kansas, on October 19, 2006.
Publication of Disbarment Ordersubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The disbarment order will be published in the official Kansas Reports, ensuring public awareness of the attorney's disbarment.
Reasoning: This order will be published in the official Kansas Reports, and the costs will be charged to Allen, who must also comply with Supreme Court Rule 218.
Voluntary Surrender of Law License under Supreme Court Rule 217subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: An attorney voluntarily surrendered his law license in light of pending allegations of misconduct and a felony conviction.
Reasoning: On November 27, 2006, Douglas J. Allen, an attorney from Las Vegas, Nevada, voluntarily surrendered his law license in Kansas under Supreme Court Rule 217.