In the Matter of Bryan Matthew Pritchett

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred Bryan Matthew Pritchett after he defaulted in disciplinary proceedings involving forgery and conversion of client settlement checks, misrepresentations to clients, and failures to respond to the State Bar. The Court ordered that he be removed from the rolls of Georgia attorneys and required restitution totaling $159,615 as a condition of any future readmission.

Holdings

1. Because Pritchett defaulted, he was deemed to have admitted the factual allegations and disciplinary violations charged.
2. Disbarment was the appropriate sanction for Pritchett's admitted misconduct, including conversion of client funds, forgery, deception, failure to communicate, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
3. If Pritchett seeks readmission, he must make restitution totaling $159,615 and provide the Court proof of that restitution.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent's default required the Court to treat the factual allegations and charged disciplinary violations as admitted.
2. Whether disbarment was the appropriate sanction for forging client signatures, converting client funds, deceiving clients, and failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
3. Whether restitution should be required as a condition of any future readmission.

Disposition

other