In the Matter of Thomas W. Pearlman

Summary

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island imposed professional discipline on Thomas W. Pearlman for incompetently drafting wills and charging unreasonable fees in connection with estate representation and will preparation. The court ordered him to make $1,500 in restitution to the clients and perform at least ten hours of community service.

Holdings

1. Pearlman's preparation of the wills violated Article V, Rule 1.1 of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct because the wills were drafted to an extreme degree of poor quality.
2. The fees and costs Pearlman charged and received for the brief estate representation and preparation of the two wills were unreasonable and violated Article V, Rule 1.5(a) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct.
3. The appropriate sanction was restitution of $1,500 to the Sistos and at least ten hours of community service.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Pearlman's preparation of the Sisto wills violated the professional-conduct rule requiring competent representation.
2. Whether the fees and costs Pearlman charged and received for preparing the wills and briefly representing the heirs in the probate of Richard Sisto's estate were unreasonable.
3. What sanction was appropriate for the violations, considering Pearlman's prior disciplinary history and subsequent restitution.

Disposition

other