William J. Gallion v. Kentucky Bar Association

Summary

The Supreme Court of Kentucky granted William J. Gallion's motion for permanent disbarment based on admitted misconduct arising from his handling of the Fen-Phen class-action settlement. The court found violations involving client communication, fee arrangements, conflicts of interest, settlement allocation, handling of client funds, supervision, and candor to the court, and ordered Gallion to cease practice-related activities and pay disciplinary costs.

Holdings

1. The Court granted Gallion's motion to withdraw his membership in the Kentucky Bar Association under terms of permanent disbarment, so that he may never apply for reinstatement under the current rules.
2. A permanently disbarred attorney must notify courts with pending matters and active clients of the inability to continue representation and must immediately cease advertising activities.
3. Gallion was ordered to pay $24,928.25 in costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Court should grant Gallion's motion under SCR 3.480 to withdraw his membership in the Kentucky Bar Association under terms of permanent disbarment.
2. What disciplinary and administrative consequences should follow from Gallion's admitted misconduct.

Disposition

other