Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Coleman

Summary

The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that Thomas Joseph Coleman III engaged in the unauthorized practice of law while on inactive status by signing and permitting the filing of numerous Pennsylvania pleadings. The Board concluded that he violated multiple Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement and recommended a suspension of one year and one day, with payment of disciplinary expenses.

Holdings

1. Respondent violated the Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement by signing and causing the filing of Pennsylvania pleadings as an attorney while on inactive status and not reinstated to active practice.
2. A two-year suspension from the bar of Pennsylvania was appropriate, together with compliance with Pa.R.D.E. 217 and payment of disciplinary costs.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent violated the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement by practicing law and representing himself as a Pennsylvania lawyer while on inactive status.
2. What discipline was appropriate for respondent's unauthorized practice, misleading representations, and related misconduct.

Disposition

other