In the Matter of James L. Bell

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court accepted James L. Bell’s Agreement for Discipline by Consent and imposed a nine-month definite suspension from the practice of law, retroactive to November 18, 2016. The court found violations involving improper trust-account withdrawals, drawing checks payable to cash, failure to respond to disciplinary authorities, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

Holdings

1. The court accepted the Agreement for Discipline by Consent and imposed a definite nine-month suspension from the practice of law, retroactive to November 18, 2016.
2. Respondent's conduct violated Rule (2)(c) and Rule 6 of the Financial Recordkeeping Rules, Rule 417, SCACR, and Rules 8.1(b) and 8.4(e) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 407, SCACR.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court should accept the parties' Agreement for Discipline by Consent and impose the agreed-upon attorney discipline.
2. Whether Respondent's admitted conduct violated the South Carolina trust-account financial-recordkeeping rules and Rules of Professional Conduct.

Disposition

other