Summary
The Vermont Supreme Court granted a petition by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the immediate interim suspension of attorney Alison McCarthy’s license. McCarthy repeatedly failed to respond to requests for information regarding a client complaint alleging professional misconduct, violating Vermont Rule of Professional Conduct 8.1(b). The Court determined that her lack of cooperation impaired the disciplinary investigation and presented a substantial threat to the public, justifying interim suspension under Administrative Order 9.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the requirements of Administrative Order 9, Rule 22(A) for an interim suspension are satisfied given McCarthy's failure to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.
Holdings
- The Court held that the requirements are satisfied and therefore an interim suspension of McCarthy's law license is appropriate.
Key quotations
“The purpose of an interim suspension is to quickly protect the public from harm”
Factual background
Attorney Alison McCarthy was repeatedly requested by Disciplinary Counsel to provide a written response to a client complaint. She failed to respond despite multiple extensions, did not appear at a hearing, and thus was deemed to have willfully refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Procedural history
Disciplinary Counsel filed a petition for immediate interim suspension of attorney Alison McCarthy under Administrative Order 9, Rule 22(A). The Court held a hearing, the respondent failed to appear or respond, and the Court concluded the statutory requirements for an interim suspension were met.