Title: Attorney Grievance v. Zhang

State: maryland

Issuer: Maryland Supreme Court

Document:

Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Runan Zhang, Misc. Docket AG No. 11, 
September Term, 2013 
 
ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE – SANCTIONS – DISBARMENT – Court of Appeals 
disbarred lawyer who: (1) represented her niece in annulment/divorce matter in Virginia 
even though lawyer was not licensed to practice law in Virginia and even though conflict 
of interest existed due to lawyer’s representation of niece’s husband in immigration 
matter; (2) provided incompetent representation and advanced ground for annulment 
without conducting adequate research or speaking to client; (3) authorized co-counsel to 
sign settlement agreements on behalf of niece despite failing to advise niece of 
agreements and to obtain her consent; (4) misrepresented niece’s ability to communicate 
in English and her consent to terms of settlement agreements; (5) held herself out as 
specializing in immigration and corporate law; and (6) concealed her role in niece’s 
representation from trial court.  Such conduct violated Maryland Lawyers’ Rules of 
Professional Conduct (“MLRPC”) 1.1 (Competence), 1.2(a) (Scope of Representation), 
1.4(a) (Communication), 1.7(a) (Conflict of Interest: General Rule), 1.16(a) (Declining or 
Terminating Representation), 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions), 3.7(a) (Lawyer 
as Witness), 4.1(a) (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 5.5(a) (Unauthorized Practice 
of Law), 7.4(a) (Communication of Fields of Practice), 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit, 
or Misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (Conduct That Is Prejudicial to the Administration of 
Justice), and 8.4(a) (Violating MLRPC). 
 
 
 
 
 
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS 
 
OF MARYLAND 
 
Misc. Docket AG No. 11 
 
September Term, 2013 
______________________________________ 
 
ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION 
OF MARYLAND 
 
v. 
 
RUNAN ZHANG 
______________________________________ 
 
Barbera, C.J. 
Harrell 
Battaglia 
Greene 
Adkins 
McDonald 
Watts, 
 
JJ. 
______________________________________ 
 
Opinion by Watts, J. 
Adkins and McDonald, JJ., concur and dissent. 
______________________________________ 
 
Filed: July 21, 2014 
 
Circuit Court for Montgomery County 
Case No. 28641M 
 
Argued: May 6, 2014 
 
 
This attorney discipline proceeding concerns a Maryland lawyer who, among 
other things: (1) represented her niece in an annulment/divorce matter in Virginia even 
though she was not licensed to practice law in Virginia and even though a conflict of 
interest existed due to the lawyer’s representation of her niece’s husband in an 
immigration matter; (2) provided incompetent representation and advanced a ground for 
annulment without conducting adequate research or speaking to her niece; (3) authorized 
co-counsel to sign settlement agreements on behalf of her niece despite failing to advise 
her niece of the agreements and to obtain her consent; (4) misrepresented her niece’s 
ability to communicate in English and her consent to the terms of the settlement 
agreements; (5) held herself out as specializing in immigration and corporate law; and (6) 
concealed her role in her niece’s representation from the trial court.     
 
Runan Zhang (“Zhang”), Respondent, a member of the Bar of Maryland, 
represented her niece, Yuxuan Zhang (“Wife”), in Wife’s annulment and subsequent 
divorce case, in the Prince William County Circuit Court in Virginia (“the Virginia 
Court”), against Daji Song (“Husband”), whom Zhang represented in an immigration 
matter.  Husband filed a complaint against Zhang with the Attorney Grievance 
Commission of Maryland (“the Commission”), Petitioner.   
 
On April 15, 2013, on the Commission’s behalf, Bar Counsel filed in this Court a 
“Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action” against Zhang, charging her with violating 
Maryland Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct (“MLRPC”) 1.1 (Competence), 1.2 
(Scope of Representation), 1.4 (Communication), 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: General Rule), 
3.7 (Lawyer as Witness), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, 
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Fraud, Deceit, or Misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (Conduct That Is Prejudicial to the 
Administration of Justice), and 8.4(a) (Violating the MLRPC).  On May 28, 2013, Bar 
Counsel filed in this Court an “Amended Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action” to 
add charges that Zhang violated MLRPC 1.16 (Declining or Terminating 
Representation), 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions), 5.5 (Unauthorized Practice of 
Law), and 7.4 (Communication of Fields of Practice), as well as the corresponding 
Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct (“VRPC”) and District of Columbia Rules of 
Professional Conduct (“DCRPC”).1 
On April 17, 2013, this Court designated the Honorable Michael John Algeo (“the 
hearing judge”) of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County to hear this attorney 
discipline proceeding.  On August 29, 2013, the hearing judge conducted a hearing.  On 
October 24, 2013, the hearing judge filed in this Court findings of fact and conclusions of 
law, concluding that Zhang violated MLRPC 1.1, 1.2(a), 1.4(a), 1.7(a), 1.16(a), 3.1, 
3.7(a), 4.1(a), 5.5(a), 7.4(a), 8.4(c), 8.4(d), and 8.4(a).2   
 
On May 6, 2014, we heard oral argument.  For the below reasons, we disbar 
                                              
1Specifically, Zhang was charged with violating VRPC 1.1 (Competence), 1.2 
(Scope of Representation), 1.4 (Communication), 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: General Rule), 
1.16 (Declining or Terminating Representation), 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and 
Contentions), 3.7 (Lawyer as Witness), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 5.5 
(Unauthorized Practice of Law), 7.4 (Communication of Fields of Practice), and 8.4 
(Misconduct), and DCRPC 1.1 (Competence), 1.2 (Scope of Representation), 1.4 
(Communication), 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: General Rule), 1.16 (Declining or 
Terminating Representation), 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions), 3.7 (Lawyer as 
Witness), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 5.5 (Unauthorized Practice), and 8.4 
(Misconduct).   
2The hearing judge based his conclusions of law solely on the MLRPC, and did 
not address the alleged violations of the VRPC and DCRPC.   
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Zhang. 
BACKGROUND 
 
In his opinion, the hearing judge found the following facts, which we summarize. 
 
On June 21, 2000, this Court admitted Zhang to the Bar of Maryland.  Zhang 
maintains a solo practice, The Law Offices of Runan Zhang, with offices in Rockville, 
Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Zhang’s website states that she specializes in 
immigration and corporate practice, and that she practices family law in Maryland, the 
District of Columbia, and Virginia.  
 
On April 10, 2010, Wife, Zhang’s niece, a non-United States citizen, married 
Husband, a United States citizen, in Fairfax, Virginia.  On April 21, 2010, Zhang filed a 
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), with the United States Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (“USCIS”) on Husband’s behalf for Wife’s benefit.  From April 
2010 until she withdrew her appearance on November 26, 2010, Zhang represented 
Husband in the immigration matter.   
 
By November 2010, Husband and Wife had separated, and Wife wished to pursue 
an annulment of the marriage.  In November 2010, Zhang assisted Wife in drafting a 
complaint for annulment that Wife could file pro se in the Virginia Court.  Zhang was not 
a member of the Bar of Virginia and, accordingly, asked her colleague, Diana Metcalf 
(“Metcalf”), “to serve as co-counsel.”  Metcalf is a member of both the Bar of Maryland 
and the Bar of Virginia, and had shared office space with Zhang in Rockville, Maryland 
since approximately 2003.   
 
On November 11, 2010, Zhang and Metcalf agreed: (1) that they would represent 
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Wife as co-counsel; and (2) that Metcalf would move for Zhang’s admission to the 
Virginia Court pro hac vice.  An agreement memorializing those two points was drafted 
but not executed.  At the beginning of the representation, Zhang provided Wife’s e-mail 
address to Metcalf, but advised that Wife did not fluently speak English, and that Metcalf 
would thus be unable to directly communicate with Wife.  Zhang assumed the 
responsibility of directly communicating with Wife.  In reliance on Zhang’s advisement 
concerning Wife’s inability to fluently speak English, Metcalf had no direct contact with 
Wife from November 2010, when she was first retained, until March 1, 2011.   
 
On November 15, 2010, Zhang recognized that she had a conflict of interest due to 
her representation of Husband in the immigration matter, so she did not enter her 
appearance in the annulment matter.  Instead of resolving the conflict, Zhang deliberately 
and consciously chose to continue to act as counsel in all matters except for entering her 
appearance in the annulment matter and disclosing the representation to the Virginia 
Court.  On November 18, 2010, Wife, pro se, filed in the Virginia Court a Complaint for 
Annulment, which had been prepared by Zhang on Wife’s behalf.  Although Zhang had 
prepared the complaint for annulment, Wife filed the complaint for annulment pro se in 
an attempt to conceal from the Virginia Court Zhang’s conflict of interest and role as 
Wife’s counsel.  The complaint for annulment contained allegations of immigration fraud 
as to the marriage and the Petition for Alien Relative that Zhang had filed on Husband’s 
behalf.   
 
On December 10, 2010, Husband, through his attorney Leon S. Demsky 
(“Demsky”), filed a demurrer to the complaint for annulment.  On January 7, 2011, 
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Zhang, Metcalf, and Demsky appeared in the Virginia Court for a hearing, and Metcalf 
entered her appearance as Wife’s counsel.  At some point before the hearing, Zhang and 
Metcalf had negotiated an agreement (“the January Agreement”) with Husband and 
Demsky.  The January Agreement provided that Husband would withdraw the demurrer, 
Wife would amend the complaint for annulment, and the parties would seek only an 
annulment, not monetary or other equitable relief.  Based on Zhang’s assurances that 
Wife had consented to the January Agreement’s terms, Metcalf signed the January 
Agreement on Wife’s behalf.  Although Zhang assured Metcalf that Wife had consented 
to the terms of the January Agreement, in actuality, Zhang had not discussed the terms of 
the January Agreement with Wife before its execution.   
 
After execution of the January Agreement, the parties could not agree on the 
ground for the annulment.  As a result, Husband, through Demsky, filed a second 
demurrer.  Meanwhile, Zhang, who was acting as Wife’s immigration attorney, arranged 
for Wife to obtain a visa to travel from China to the United States to participate at trial.   
 
On February 9, 2011, Zhang conducted legal research and prepared an amended 
complaint for annulment and an opposition to the second demurrer, and offered to 
Metcalf to file the pleadings under Metcalf’s name or Wife’s name.  On February 10, 
2011, with Metcalf’s permission, Zhang signed Metcalf’s name to the opposition, which 
she filed in the Virginia Court.  On February 16, 2011, Metcalf filed in the Virginia Court 
the amended complaint for annulment.   
 
On February 17, 2011, Michael W. Lu (“Lu”), Demsky’s co-counsel, e-mailed 
Zhang to explore potential settlement of the annulment matter.  Lu suggested that an 
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annulment be pursued on the grounds of misunderstanding and mutual mistake based on 
the circumstance: “that Wife, due to immigration issues, had been unable to return to the 
United States following the marriage to complete the marriage ceremonies, and that while 
the parties had registered for marriage, the marriage was never consummated.”  As 
Wife’s “legal counsel,” Zhang e-mailed Lu that mutual misunderstanding and mutual 
mistake were not acceptable grounds for the annulment; Zhang instead suggested that the 
parties pursue an annulment based on an alleged medical condition of Husband, namely, 
impotency.  As of February 17, 2011, when the e-mail exchange between Zhang and Lu 
occurred, Zhang had never discussed with Wife whether the couple had engaged in 
marital relations, and had no basis to pursue an annulment based on impotency.3  Zhang 
and Lu eventually agreed that Husband would pay $1,500 for a “global settlement” and 
“admit he has an impotency problem.”  On February 17, 2011, at 6:25 p.m., Zhang 
forwarded to Metcalf a copy of her e-mail correspondence with Lu with the message: 
“We may need to sign an agreement in court tomorrow.”  
 
On the morning of February 18, 2011, Metcalf appeared in the Virginia Court to 
argue in opposition to the second demurrer.  Metcalf had not read the e-mail that Zhang 
had sent the previous evening, and thus was not aware that any settlement discussions 
had occurred between Zhang and Lu.  Approximately fifteen minutes before the hearing, 
                                              
3The hearing judge stated that Zhang had “argued that she misunderstood the 
difference between failure to consummate a marriage and impotency.”  The hearing judge 
discredited this argument, however, stating: “Given the fact that [Zhang] admits that at no 
time prior to February 19, 2011 did she discuss Wife’s sex life with her, she did not have 
any basis in fact to suggest either grounds for annulment.”   
- 7 - 
Zhang advised Metcalf that Husband was “impotent” and that, the previous night, Zhang 
and Lu had reached an agreement under which Wife would pursue an annulment based 
on Husband’s medical condition.  Metcalf questioned Zhang about how Husband’s 
medical condition was discovered at such a late date, and inquired about the details of the 
negotiations.  Zhang assured Metcalf that Wife had participated in the negotiations and 
that she had communicated with Wife and Lu late into the evening until the agreement 
was reached.  Wife had not, however, participated in the settlement discussions that 
occurred on February 17, 2011.  In actuality, it was not until February 19, 2011, that 
Zhang, for the first time, discussed the terms of the agreement with Wife.   
 
On February 18, 2011, before the hearing began, Demsky, Metcalf, and Zhang 
negotiated the final terms of the settlement agreement (“the February Agreement”), 
which, in pertinent part, provided that Husband would pay Wife $2,000 as full and 
complete settlement of all claims, and that Husband “agrees that the annulment is 
uncontested, he will not object, defend, or contest any Complaint for Annulment based 
upon [his] being impotent [.]”  
 
Prior to execution of the February Agreement, Zhang told Metcalf that: (1) she 
(Zhang) had discussed the terms of the February Agreement with Wife; (2) Wife 
understood and agreed to the terms; and (3) Wife authorized Metcalf to sign the February 
Agreement on her behalf.  Metcalf was concerned about the implications of signing the 
February Agreement without speaking with Wife, and repeatedly asked Zhang whether 
Wife had agreed to the February Agreement’s terms.  Zhang repeatedly responded that 
Wife had agreed to the terms and authorized Metcalf to sign the February Agreement.  In 
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reliance on Zhang’s representations, Metcalf signed the February Agreement on Wife’s 
behalf.   
 
On February 18, 2011, Demsky and Metcalf submitted to the Virginia Court a 
proposed consent order reflecting the February Agreement’s terms.  The Honorable Lon 
E. Ferris signed the proposed consent order.  
 
On February 19, 2011, for the first time, Zhang spoke with Wife about the 
February Agreement.  Wife immediately advised Zhang that Husband was not, in fact, 
“impotent.”  Instead of informing Metcalf at that time that the February Agreement had 
been signed without Wife’s authorization, Zhang attempted to negotiate additional terms 
binding Husband to the February Agreement.  On February 25, 2011, for the first time, 
Zhang admitted to Metcalf that she had not discussed the terms of the February 
Agreement with Wife prior to its execution and that Wife had advised her that Husband 
did not have the alleged medical condition.   
 
On March 1, 2011, Wife directly contacted Metcalf for the first time, sending an e-
mail in which she wrote, in fluent English, that: (1) she had not been advised of the terms 
of the February Agreement before its execution; (2) Husband was not “impotent”; and (3) 
she did not consent to or authorize the execution of the February Agreement.  Between 
March 1 and March 3, 2011, Zhang and Metcalf researched Virginia law and drafted a 
motion to set aside the February Agreement.   
 
On March 3, 2011, Zhang filed in the Virginia Court a motion to set aside the 
February Agreement and consent order.  The Virginia Court scheduled a hearing on the 
motion for March 18, 2011.  Between March 3 and March 18, 2011, Zhang worked with 
- 9 - 
Metcalf, as co-counsel, to prepare for the hearing.  As part of that preparation, Zhang 
drafted notes and an argument for Metcalf.  The notes that Zhang prepared contained 
multiple misrepresentations, including that: (1) Wife had given Metcalf “general 
authorization” to settle the case; (2) Husband had “demanded to get the settlement done 
in court on February 18, 2011”; and (3) there had been a “miscommunication” between 
Metcalf and Wife “due to language difficulties.”  As a means of shielding herself from 
her misconduct (i.e., her misrepresentation to Metcalf that Wife authorized her to sign the 
February Agreement), Zhang attempted to persuade Metcalf to make these 
misrepresentations to the Virginia Court in support of the motion to set aside the 
February Agreement.  
 
On March 18, 2011, Zhang, Metcalf, and Demsky appeared in the Virginia Court 
for the hearing on the motion to set aside.  Metcalf advised the Virginia Court that Zhang 
had assured her that Wife knew of and agreed to the February Agreement’s terms.  The 
Virginia Court vacated the February 18, 2011 consent order, and stated that an attempted 
fraud had been perpetrated on the Virginia Court and that there was no good faith basis 
for the “impotency” claim.   
 
On April 7, 2011, Husband filed in the Virginia Court a counter-complaint for 
divorce.  In response to interrogatories that Husband propounded, Wife identified Zhang 
as a potential witness related to the immigration representation and allegations of events 
that occurred before and during the marriage.  
 
On August 18, 2011, the Virginia Court denied Wife’s complaint for annulment.  
At some point afterward, Husband and Wife were granted a divorce based on mutual 
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separation.   
In short, the hearing judge found as follows concerning Zhang’s role in the 
representation of Wife: 
Beginning in November 2010 and continuing at all relevant times thereto, 
[Zhang] represented Wife in her pursuit of an annulment and divorce in 
Prince William County, Virginia.  Although [Zhang] did not enter her 
appearance in the [Virginia Court], there is no question that she was acting 
as an attorney as she provided legal counsel, advice, and representation to 
Wife as co-counsel to [] Metcalf [].  [Zhang] provided legal advice, drafted 
pleadings and motions, assisted in preparation for hearings, conducted legal 
research, and participated in settlement negotiations on behalf of Wife.  
[Zhang] also stated to [Lu] that she represented Wife.  The Court finds 
[Zhang]’s argument that she was not acting as an attorney and only as a 
“concerned family member” to be without merit.  
 
STANDARD OF REVIEW 
In an attorney discipline proceeding, this Court reviews for clear error a hearing 
judge’s findings of fact, and reviews without deference the hearing judge’s conclusions 
of law.  See Md. R. 16-759(b)(1) (“The Court of Appeals shall review de novo the 
[hearing] judge’s conclusions of law.”); Md. R. 16-759(b)(2)(B) (“The Court shall give 
due regard to the opportunity of the hearing judge to assess the credibility of witnesses.”); 
see also Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Fader, 431 Md. 395, 426, 66 A.3d 18, 36 (2013). 
As to exceptions, in Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Bocchino, 435 Md. 505, 529, 
80 A.3d 222, 235 (2013), we recently reiterated:  
When a party files exceptions to the hearing judge’s findings of fact, 
those exceptions will be overruled so long as the findings are not clearly 
erroneous.  When a party takes exception to the hearing judge’s conclusions 
of law, those exceptions will be overruled so long as the conclusions are 
supported by the facts found. 
 
(Citations omitted). 
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DISCUSSION 
A. Motion to Dismiss 
Zhang moves to dismiss this attorney discipline proceeding on the grounds that the 
MLRPC do not apply to her conduct and that the Amended Petition for Disciplinary or 
Remedial Action was not sufficiently clear and specific to inform her of which rules of 
professional conduct applied.4  
 
We conclude that the MLRPC apply to Zhang’s conduct.  Zhang had a law office 
in Maryland, and shared with Metcalf a conference room in a building in which Metcalf 
rented law office space in Maryland.  As did the hearing judge implicitly, we reasonably 
infer that a substantial part of Zhang’s conduct (including her representation that Wife 
had difficulty communicating in English, her soliciting Metcalf to serve as co-counsel, 
her authoring notes for Metcalf, and her discussions and preparation with Metcalf about 
the case) occurred in Maryland.  Generally, “the rule[s] of professional conduct to be 
applied shall be  . . . the rules of the jurisdiction in which the lawyer’s conduct 
occurred[.]”  MLRPC 8.5(b)(2).5 
                                              
4In her filing, Zhang moved to dismiss this attorney discipline proceeding for lack 
of jurisdiction.  At oral argument, however, Zhang’s counsel conceded that this Court has 
jurisdiction.  See MLRPC 8.5(a)(1) (“A lawyer admitted by the Court of Appeals to 
practice in this State is subject to the disciplinary authority of this State, regardless of 
where the lawyer’s conduct occurs.”). 
5We reject Zhang’s contention that the MLRPC do not apply to her conduct 
because the annulment/divorce matter was pending in the Virginia Court until June 19, 
2012.  See MLRPC 8.5(b)(1) (“[T]he rule[s] of professional conduct to be applied shall 
be . . . for conduct in connection with a matter pending before a tribunal, the rules of the 
jurisdiction in which the tribunal sits[.]”).  Bar Counsel filed the Petition for Disciplinary 
(Continued...) 
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We conclude that the Amended Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action was 
“sufficiently clear and specific to inform [Zhang] of any professional misconduct 
charged[.]”  Md. R. 16-751(c).  In the Amended Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial 
Action, Bar Counsel charged Zhang with violating rules of professional conduct that have 
substantively identical counterparts in the MLRPC, VRPC, and DCRPC.6  Indeed, Zhang 
fails to identify any material conflict among the MLRPC, VRPC, and DCRPC in 
question. 
 
For the above reasons, we deny the motion to dismiss. 
B. Contentions Other Than Exceptions 
We address (and reject) Zhang’s five contentions that do not constitute exceptions 
to the hearing judge’s findings of fact and conclusions of law. 
 
First, we reject Zhang’s contention that Bar Counsel inhibited her ability to 
contact Husband before the hearing.  Bar Counsel offered to attempt to facilitate a 
                                                                                                                                                  
or Remedial Action on April 15, 2013; thus, at no time during this attorney discipline 
proceeding was the annulment/divorce matter pending in the Virginia Court. 
Similarly, we reject the contention that the predominant effect of Zhang’s conduct 
was in Virginia.  See MLRPC 8.5(b)(2) (“[T]he rule of professional conduct to be applied 
shall be . . . the rules of the jurisdiction in which the lawyer’s conduct occurred, or, if the 
predominant effect of the conduct is in a different jurisdiction, the rules of that 
jurisdiction shall be applied to the conduct.”).  Zhang maintained a law office in 
Maryland, solicited Metcalf—an attorney who shared office space to assist her in 
Maryland, engaged in discussions with Metcalf in Maryland, and engaged in conduct 
involving her representation of Wife in Maryland.  In examining Zhang’s contention as to 
predominant effect of the conduct, we find no grounds on which to alter the 
determination that the MLRPC applies to the case. 
6The only distinction between the sets of rules charged worth pointing out is that 
the VRPC does not contain a subsection corresponding to MLRPC 8.4(d), concerning 
conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.   
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telephonic or electronic deposition of Husband.  Additionally, Bar Counsel provided 
Zhang’s counsel with Husband’s address.  Thus, Bar Counsel actually facilitated Zhang’s 
ability to contact Husband before the hearing. 
 
Second, we reject Zhang’s contention that her rights were violated because she 
could not confront the complainant (i.e., Husband), who did not testify at the hearing. 
The right of confrontation under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution 
and Article 21 of Maryland Declaration of Rights applies to a criminal case, not an 
attorney discipline proceeding.  Cf. Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Marcalus, 414 Md. 
501, 521, 996 A.2d 350, 362 (2010) (“An attorney disciplinary proceeding . . . is not 
governed by the same standard of proof as a criminal trial, and it does not demand the 
same evidentiary burdens as does a criminal prosecution.”  (Citation omitted)).7 
Third, we reject Zhang’s contention that the hearing judge erred in sustaining Bar 
Counsel’s objections after Zhang’s counsel asked Metcalf: “What provision of the 
Maryland or Virginia or the District of Columbia rules excuses you from having to 
                                              
7We are unpersuaded by Zhang’s reliance on this Court’s dicta in Attorney 
Grievance Comm’n v. Lee, 387 Md. 89, 114, 874 A.2d 897, 912 (2005) (“[A]ny concerns 
that a respondent . . . has been prejudiced by false statements made during the Peer 
Review process are ameliorated by the fact that the respondent . . . ultimately will have 
the opportunity to confront the complainant, under oath, at an evidentiary hearing.”  
(Citations omitted)).  The Peer Review process is a confidential and informal process in 
which a panel consisting of lawyers and at least one layperson hears from the 
complainant and the respondent and determines whether the matter can be resolved 
without formal disciplinary action.  Id. at 99 n.7, 874 A.2d at 903.  In Lee, id. at 98, 102, 
874 A.2d at 902, 904, the complainant filed a complaint against the respondent lawyer, 
spoke during the panel review process, and testified at the evidentiary hearing.  No 
statute, Maryland Rule, or holding of this Court, however, requires that a complainant 
testify at a hearing in an attorney discipline proceeding. 
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communicate directly with your client?”; “[A]re you aware of any exception to Rule 1.4 
in Maryland or Virginia that creates an exception excusing you in communicating 
directly with your client?”; and “Isn’t the critical inquiry whether or not there is 
confidential information that is being used in one representation to the next?”  Zhang’s 
counsel asked for Metcalf’s opinion about the MLRPC, VRPC, DCRPC, and conflicts of 
interest.  The hearing judge had not admitted Metcalf as an expert in the fields of the 
MLRPC, VRPC, DCRPC, or conflicts of interest. 
Fourth, we reject Zhang’s contention that the hearing judge erred in sustaining Bar 
Counsel’s objections after Zhang’s counsel asked Zhang: “Going back to your 
representation in the immigration matter, did you obtain from [Husband] any confidential 
information during the course of that representation?”; and “In the course of your 
immigration representation, did you obtain any information from [Husband] aside from 
his name, address, and that he would be the sponsor for [Wife]’s immigration 
application?”  Zhang’s counsel asked for confidential information.  Generally, “[a] 
lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client[.]”  MLRPC 
1.6(a). 
Fifth, we reject Zhang’s contention that the hearing judge erred in declining to 
admit into evidence the Commission’s investigator’s report.  In so contending, Zhang 
cites multiple exceptions to the rule against hearsay, but fails to explain why any such 
exception applies to the Commission’s investigator’s report.  
 
 
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C. Findings of Fact 
 
The Commission does not except to any of the hearing judge’s findings of fact. 
Zhang excepts to a multitude of the hearing judge’s findings of fact.  We sustain only one 
of Zhang’s exceptions to the hearing judge’s findings of fact. 
 
First, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that her 
website stated that she practiced family law in Virginia.  The hearing judge admitted into 
evidence printouts of Zhang’s website, which contained a page that was entitled 
“Representation in Civil Action, especially family law practice” and, below “Practices 
includ[e,]” included a link to “Type of divorce at Virginia.”  Thus, the hearing judge did 
not clearly err in finding that Zhang’s website stated that she practiced family law in 
Virginia. 
 
Second, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
filed a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS on Husband’s behalf for 
Wife’s benefit.  The Form I-130 states that Husband is “the petitioner” and that “[y]our 
relative [i.e., Wife] is the beneficiary.”  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in 
finding that Zhang filed the Form I-130 with USCIS on Husband’s behalf for Wife’s 
benefit. 
 
Third, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
represented Husband in the immigration matter “from April 2010 until . . . November 26, 
2010.”  On April 21, 2010, Zhang filed the Form I-130 with USCIS.  In a letter dated 
- 16 - 
August 3, 2010, Husband informed the USCIS that he was withdrawing the Form I-130.8 
In a letter dated November 26, 2010, Zhang informed USCIS: “It came to my attention 
recently that [Husband] . . . has withdrawn his petition . . . , therefore, this is my notice 
that I am no longer on this case[.]”  (Emphasis added).  The record contains no written 
communications that indicate that Zhang learned about Husband’s letter before 
November 2010.  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that Zhang 
represented Husband in the immigration matter “from April 2010 until . . . November 26, 
2010[,]” when she notified USCIS that she was no longer involved with the case. 
 
Fourth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
drafted the complaint for annulment that Wife filed pro se.  On November 15, 2010, 
Zhang e-mailed Metcalf, stating:  
I got all the documents ready for filing the annu[]lment case in VA.  But 
realized that I was the counsel representing both [Wife] and [Husband.]  If 
he hired a[] lawyer, they would disqualify me for the conflict interest.  I am 
thinking to file the complaint first as the pro se case, and get you involved 
when the court hearing comes up.  
 
(Emphasis added).  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that Zhang 
drafted the complaint that Wife filed pro se in the annulment/divorce matter.9 
 
Fifth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
                                              
8At the hearing, Zhang testified that she believed that her representation of 
Husband ended on August 3, 2010.  In his opinion, the hearing judge did not credit this 
part of Zhang’s testimony.  We “give due regard to the opportunity of the hearing judge 
to assess the credibility of witnesses.”  Md. R. 16-759(b)(2)(B). 
9Although the hearing judge admitted into evidence an excerpt of a deposition at 
which Zhang testified that she did not assist Wife in preparing the complaint, “resolving 
any conflict in the evidence” is the hearing judge’s role.  Marcalus, 414 Md. at 512, 996 
A.2d at 356 (citation omitted). 
- 17 - 
provided legal advice to Wife and represented Wife in the annulment/divorce matter.  As 
Zhang has acknowledged, she drafted pleadings, prepared for hearings, and conducted 
legal research on Wife’s behalf.  Metcalf testified that it had been her understanding that 
Zhang would represent Wife in the annulment/divorce matter, and that Metcalf was “to 
sponsor [] Zhang, who is not admitted to practice in Virginia pro hac vice.”  And, the 
hearing judge expressly discredited Zhang’s allegation that she acted only as a concerned 
relative of Wife.  In any event, “a personal relationship . . . with a purported ‘client’ does 
not preclude a court from finding that an attorney-client relationship exists.”  Attorney 
Grievance Comm’n v. Shoup, 410 Md. 462, 489, 979 A.2d 120, 136 (2009) (citation 
omitted).  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that Zhang provided legal 
advice to Wife and represented Wife in the annulment/divorce matter.   
 
Sixth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
informed Lu that she represented Wife in the annulment/divorce matter.  On February 17, 
2011, Zhang e-mailed Lu, stating that, as Wife’s “legal counsel[,]” she could not agree to 
a proposed ground for annulment.  (Emphasis added).  Thus, the hearing judge did not 
clearly err in finding that Zhang informed Lu that she represented Wife in the 
annulment/divorce matter. 
 
Seventh, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
was Metcalf’s “colleague” and, per agreement, co-counsel in the annulment/divorce 
matter.  At the hearing, in at least three instances, Metcalf testified that Zhang was her 
“co-counsel.”  Additionally, the record establishes that, on at least two occasions, Zhang 
and Metcalf met to discuss Wife’s case, the possible grounds for annulment, the 
- 18 - 
complaint for annulment, and Metcalf’s sponsoring Zhang for pro hac vice admission 
before the Virginia Court.  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that 
Zhang 
was 
Metcalf’s 
“colleague” 
and, 
per 
agreement, 
co-counsel 
in 
the 
annulment/divorce matter. 
Eighth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
recognized she had a conflict of interest and deliberately and consciously chose to 
continue to act as counsel in all manners except for entering her appearance in the 
annulment matter and disclosing the representation to the Virginia Court.  On November 
15, 2010, Zhang e-mailed Metcalf, stating that she “realized that [she]was the counsel 
representing both [Wife] and [Husband] in the green card application immigration case.  
If he hired a[] lawyer, they would disqualify me for the conflict interest.”  (Emphasis 
added).  Additionally, Metcalf testified that she did not sponsor Zhang for pro hac vice 
admission because Zhang remembered that she “had represented [H]usband in the 
sponsorship of her other family member[,]” and thus “could not now represent an 
opposing party to him in a divorce.”  Nonetheless, Zhang continued representing Wife by 
drafting pleadings, preparing for and attending hearings, and participating in settlement 
negotiations.  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that Zhang recognized 
she had a conflict of interest and deliberately and consciously chose to continue to act as 
Wife’s counsel in all manners except for entering her appearance in the annulment matter 
and disclosing the representation to the Virginia Court. 
Ninth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
informed Metcalf that Wife did not fluently speak English and would not be able to 
- 19 - 
directly communicate with Metcalf.  At the hearing, Metcalf testified that Zhang 
informed her that Wife “wanted all of the communication to go through [] Zhang” and 
that Wife’s “English was not very good[.]”  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in 
finding that Zhang informed Metcalf that Wife did not fluently speak English and would 
not be able to directly communicate with Metcalf. 
Tenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
“appeared” in the Virginia Court for hearings on January 7, 2011 and March 18, 2011. 
The context of the hearing judge’s opinion makes clear that the hearing judge found that 
Zhang was physically present in the Virginia Court, not that Zhang had entered an 
appearance in the Virginia Court. 
Eleventh, we sustain Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that Metcalf 
signed the January Agreement on Wife’s behalf “based on [Zhang]’s assurances that 
Wife consented to the terms”; the record indicates that Metcalf signed the January 
Agreement based on Zhang’s assurances that Metcalf was authorized to sign the 
agreement because Zhang “had authority to speak for” Wife.  At the hearing, Metcalf 
testified: “Zhang represented that communications by [Wife]’s request would go through 
[Zhang, a]nd that [Zhang] had authority to speak for” Wife.  At a deposition, Zhang 
testified that: (1) Wife and Wife’s parents had authorized Zhang “to make the decision 
for the best for” Wife; (2) Zhang had informed Metcalf that Metcalf was authorized to 
sign the January Agreement on Wife’s behalf; and (3) although Zhang spoke with Wife 
and Wife’s parents before the January 7, 2011, hearing, Zhang did not discuss the 
January Agreement’s terms, which had not been determined yet.  Thus, the hearing 
- 20 - 
judge’s finding that Zhang assured Metcalf that Wife specifically consented to the terms 
of the January Agreement was clearly erroneous. 
Twelfth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she did 
not discuss the January Agreement’s terms with Wife before its execution.  The record 
demonstrates that neither Zhang nor Metcalf discussed the January Agreement’s terms 
with Wife before its execution, and that Metcalf executed the January Agreement in 
reliance on Zhang’s representation that Zhang had the authority to speak for Wife. 
Thirteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that, on 
February 9, 2011, she prepared an amended complaint for annulment and opposition to 
be filed under Metcalf’s or Wife’s name.  On February 9, 2011, Zhang e-mailed Metcalf, 
stating: 
I am going to Manassas tomorrow, will file the amended complaint and the 
opposition tomorrow.  I called the clerk, she said the judge order[ed] the 
amendment to [the] complaint, [so] I changed the complaint to a simple 
form based on the fraud.  I can file under your name or my niece’s name 
whichever you prefer.   
 
Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that, on February 9, 2011, Zhang 
prepared an amended complaint and opposition to be filed under Metcalf’s or Wife’s 
name. 
Fourteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that 
“[b]ecause Wife was the Plaintiff, she carried the burden of affirmatively proving the 
grounds for annulment.”  As Zhang concedes, this is an accurate statement of the law.   
Fifteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that on 
February 17, 2011, she “immediately made clear [to Lu] that Wife sought an annulment, 
- 21 - 
by whatever avenue may be available.”   On February 17, 2011, in response to Lu’s e-
mail about a potential settlement of the case, Zhang e-mailed Lu, stating that Wife was 
“willing to fight in the court for the annulment[,]” Wife’s “goal [wa]s to annul the 
marriage,” and “the cour[t] has to grant the annulment.”  Thus, the hearing judge did not 
clearly err in finding that Zhang made it clear to Lu that Wife wanted an annulment 
through any available means. 
 
Sixteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
suggested the parties pursue an annulment on the ground of Husband’s alleged 
“impotency.”  On February 17, 2011, in response to Lu’s settlement offer, Zhang e-
mailed Lu, rejecting the proposed settlement and suggesting for the first time: “You 
might consider the following ground for the annulment: Grounds for annulment can also 
include impotency. . . . If a marriage was never consummated, this constitutes viable 
grounds for annulment.”  (Paragraph break omitted).  Thus, the hearing judge did not 
clearly err in finding that it was Zhang who first suggested that the parties pursue an 
annulment on the ground of Husband’s alleged “impotency.” 
 
Seventeenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
misunderstood the difference between failure to consummate a marriage and “impotency” 
and did not have any basis in fact to suggest either as a ground for annulment.  At the 
hearing, Zhang testified that her only research as to failure to consummate a marriage 
consisted of “Googling” the phrase “no marriage consummation” and reading that “no 
consummation [was] equal to[, and was] a ground for impotency.”  Zhang admitted that 
she did not know what “impotency” meant, but “assumed it was the same as the no 
- 22 - 
consummation.”  At a deposition, Zhang also admitted that, prior to negotiating with Lu, 
she had not discussed with Wife whether the couple had engaged in marital relations.  
Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding that Zhang misunderstood the 
distinction between failure to consummate a marriage and impotency, and that she lacked 
a basis for suggesting either as a ground for annulment. 
 
Eighteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she 
told Metcalf that she had spoken with Wife and obtained her consent to the February 
Agreement.  Metcalf testified that, on February 18, 2011, Zhang advised that the parties 
had reached an agreement to pursue an annulment based on Husband’s “impotency,” and 
led her to believe that Wife had actively participated in the negotiations.  Metcalf testified 
that she repeatedly asked Zhang whether she had discussed the terms with Wife and 
whether Wife was “okay” with the February Agreement, and Zhang responded 
affirmatively.  Metcalf testified that, afterward, Zhang informed her “that she had not, in 
fact, talked to [Wife] the night of the 17th.”  Zhang’s testimony confirms that she did not 
speak with Wife during the negotiation process or prior to execution of the February 
Agreement; according to Zhang, she did not speak with Wife until the day after the 
February Agreement was signed.  Thus, the hearing judge did not clearly err in finding 
that Zhang told Metcalf that she had spoken with Wife and obtained Wife’s consent to 
the February Agreement.   
 
Nineteenth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that she    
attempted to persuade Metcalf to make misrepresentations to the Virginia Court in 
support of the Motion to shield herself from her misconduct–namely, misrepresenting to 
- 23 - 
Metcalf that Wife authorized her to sign the February Agreement.  On March 17, 2011, 
Zhang provided Metcalf notes containing a “statement that [she] could make or that [she] 
could use in [her] preparations for what [she] was going to say to the” Virginia Court.  
The statement contained multiple misrepresentations, including that: (1) Wife had given 
Metcalf “general authorization” to settle the case; (2) Husband “demanded to get the 
settlement done in court on February 18, 2011”; and (3) there was “miscommunication” 
between Metcalf and Wife due to “language difficulties.”  Zhang’s notes did not mention 
Zhang or the role she played during the settlement negotiations.  Thus, the hearing judge 
did not clearly err in finding that, to shield herself from her misconduct, Zhang attempted 
to persuade Metcalf to make misrepresentations to the Virginia Court. 
 
Twentieth, we overrule Zhang’s exception to the hearing judge’s finding that the 
Virginia Court stated that an attempted fraud had been perpetrated on the Virginia Court 
and that there was no good faith basis for the “impotency” claim.  The hearing judge 
admitted into evidence a transcript of the March 18, 2011, hearing before the Virginia 
Court.  According to the transcript, the Virginia Court granted the motion to set aside and 
stated: “This is a mutual fraud on the Court . . . I’m going to vacate the prior order as 
there is no good faith basis for the impotency claim on either party.”  Thus, the hearing 
judge did not clearly err in finding that the Virginia Court stated an attempted fraud had 
been perpetrated. 
D. Conclusions of Law 
 
The Commission does not except to any of the hearing judge’s conclusions of law.  
As a preliminary matter, Zhang contends that the hearing judge’s conclusions of law “are 
- 24 - 
categorically flawed” because the hearing judge applied the MLRPC and failed to 
“differentiate predicate facts underlying Virginia [R]ule violations and predicate facts 
underlying Maryland Rule violations.”  For the above reasons, the hearing judge properly 
applied the MLRPC to the facts of this case.  We, therefore, overrule this general 
exception.  Next, we address Zhang’s specific exceptions to the hearing judge’s 
conclusions of law.   
MLRPC 1.1 (Competence) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s determination that she violated MLRPC 1.1, 
and argues that clear and convincing evidence does not establish she was incompetent 
because Metcalf was Wife’s counsel.   
“A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client.  Competent 
representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation 
reasonably necessary for the representation.”  MLRPC 1.1.  “Compliance with [MLRPC 
1.1] requires more than knowing what to do.  It requires applying the knowledge to the 
client’s problem. . . . ‘Evidence of a failure to apply the requisite thoroughness and/or 
preparation in representing a client is sufficient alone to support a violation of [MLRPC] 
1.1”  Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. McCulloch, 404 Md. 388, 397-98, 946 A.2d 1009, 
1015 (2008) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).   
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 1.1.  The record demonstrates that Zhang acted as counsel for 
Wife in the annulment/divorce matter in Virginia, despite not being licensed to practice 
law in Virginia, and without the “legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation 
- 25 - 
reasonably necessary for the representation.”  MLRPC 1.1.  Zhang’s lack of the legal 
knowledge and thoroughness to represent Wife is most vividly demonstrated by her 
negotiation of the February Agreement.  Zhang did not understand or appreciate the legal 
distinction between a failure to consummate a marriage and Husband’s alleged 
“impotence,” and her research into the matter consisted only of a Google search of the 
phrase “no marriage consummation[.]”  Zhang testified that, at the time, she did not know 
what “impotency” meant, but “assumed it was the same as the no consummation.”  
Nevertheless, Zhang failed to conduct any legal research or to speak with Wife before 
suggesting to Lu that Husband consider an annulment on the ground of Husband’s 
“impotence.”   
MLRPC 1.2(a) (Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between 
Client and Lawyer) 
 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 1.2(a) 
because the record demonstrates that she had “general authority to represent [Wife]’s 
interests.”   
MLRPC 1.2(a) provides, in relevant part: 
[A] lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of 
the representation and, when appropriate, shall consult with the client as to 
the means by which they are to be pursued.  A lawyer may take such action 
on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the 
representation.  A lawyer shall abide by a client’s decision whether to settle 
a matter. 
 
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Thaxton, 415 Md. 341, 362, 1 A.3d 470, 482 (2010), 
we held that a lawyer violated MLRPC 1.2(a) by “fail[ing] to obtain his client’s consent 
to a settlement[.]” 
- 26 - 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 1.2(a).  The record demonstrates that Zhang authorized Metcalf 
to sign both the January Agreement and the February Agreement, even though Wife did 
not know of the terms of the agreements and had not consented to the agreements.  
Metcalf executed the January Agreement based Zhang’s assurances that she was 
authorized to sign the agreement, even though Zhang acknowledged at deposition that 
she had not discussed the terms of the agreement with Wife prior to its execution.  
Metcalf executed the February Agreement based on Zhang’s assurances that that she had 
discussed the February Agreement’s terms with Wife, and that Wife had participated in 
the negotiations and consented to the terms of the agreement.  In actuality, Zhang had not 
spoken with Wife about the February Agreement or obtained Wife’s consent, and did not 
speak with Wife until the day after the February Agreement was signed.  Put simply, 
there were two occasions on which Zhang instructed Metcalf to execute settlement 
agreements on Wife’s behalf despite not having discussed the terms with Wife and not 
securing Wife’s consent to enter into the settlement agreements.10   
 
                                              
10Although Zhang may have had general authority to speak on behalf of Wife and 
to make decisions in Wife’s best interests, such authority did not extend to execution of 
settlement agreements absent Wife’s consent.  It was not in Wife’s best interests to enter 
into the February Agreement on the false ground of Husband’s “impotence,” as Wife “did 
not agree that [Husband] was impotent” and a motion to set aside the February 
Agreement had to be filed.  Whether Metcalf should have raised an issue about Zhang’s 
authorization is not relevant where Zhang assured Metcalf that Wife authorized signing 
the agreements and represented to Metcalf that Wife knew of and consented to the terms 
of the February Agreement.   
- 27 - 
MLRPC 1.4(a) (Communication) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s determination that she violated MLRPC 
1.4(a) given her general authority to “represent[] the interests of [Wife] in negotiations to 
achieve an annulment[.]”   
MLRPC 1.4(a) provides, in pertinent part: 
A lawyer shall: 
 
(1) promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with 
respect to which the client’s informed consent, as defined in Rule 
1.0(f), is required by these Rules; 
(2) keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the 
matter; 
(3) promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and  
(4) consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the 
lawyer’s conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects 
assistance not permitted by the [MLRPC] or other law. 
 
Comment [2] to MLRPC 1.4 explains that “a lawyer who receives from opposing counsel 
an offer of settlement in a civil controversy . . . must promptly inform the client of its 
substance unless the client has previously indicated that the proposal will be acceptable 
or unacceptable or has authorized the lawyer to accept or to reject the offer.” 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 1.4(a).  There were at least two occasions where Zhang failed to 
communicate with Wife, i.e., when Zhang authorized Metcalf to execute settlement 
agreements on Wife’s behalf despite Wife’s lack of knowledge of, and consent to, the 
terms of the agreements.  Zhang’s authorization to act in Wife’s best interests, as well as 
her general knowledge that Wife wanted to pursue an annulment, did not relieve Zhang 
of her responsibility under MLRPC 1.4(a) to communicate with Wife.  As Comment [2] 
- 28 - 
explains, a lawyer receiving a settlement offer “must promptly inform the client of its 
substance unless the client has previously indicated that the proposal will be acceptable 
or unacceptable or has authorized the lawyer to accept or to reject the offer.”  Here, the 
record does not demonstrate that Wife knew of the substance of the proposed settlements 
prior to their execution.  And, in the case of the February Agreement, it is clear that not 
only did Wife not know of the terms of the agreement, but that she would not have agreed 
to the terms had she known them.  Zhang was obligated to communicate with Wife and to 
“promptly inform” Wife about the settlement agreements. MLRPC 1.4(a)(1).  Zhang did 
not do so.11   
MLRPC 1.7(a) (Conflict of Interest: General Rule) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 1.7(a), 
and argues that she did not have an attorney-client relationship with Wife, as Metcalf was 
Wife’s counsel.  Zhang asserts that there was no conflict of interest because Husband was 
a former client whose representation ended on August 3, 2010, months prior to the start 
of the annulment/divorce case.   
MLRPC 1.7 provides: 
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent a client 
if the representation involves a conflict of interest.  A conflict of interest 
exists if: 
                                              
11 Zhang’s attempt to blame Metcalf for the lack of communication is unavailing.  
That Metcalf was the attorney of record does not diminish Zhang’s role in the negotiation 
process.  It is clear that Zhang, not Metcalf, took the lead in negotiating the February 
Agreement, and that she specifically represented to Metcalf that the terms of the February 
Agreement had been discussed with Wife, and that Wife consented to the terms.  And, in 
any event, whether Metcalf’s conduct violates the MLRPC or VRPC is not at issue. 
- 29 - 
 
(1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another 
client; or 
(2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more 
clients will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibilities to 
another client, a former client or a third person or by a personal 
interest of the lawyer. 
 
(b) Notwithstanding the existence of a conflict of interest under paragraph 
(a), a lawyer may represent a client if: 
 
(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to 
provide competent and diligent representation to each affected 
client;  
(2) the representation is not prohibited by law; 
(3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by 
one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the 
same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal; and 
(4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in 
writing. 
 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 1.7(a).  Zhang was Metcalf’s co-counsel, and she represented 
Wife in the annulment/divorce matter.  That Wife is Zhang’s niece does not mean that 
Zhang’s relationship with Wife during the annulment/divorce matter was strictly one of a 
concerned family member.  It is entirely possible for a lawyer to be both a lawyer and a 
concerned relative in connection to a relative-client.  See Shoup, 410 Md. at 489, 979 
A.2d at 136 (“[A] personal relationship . . . with a purported ‘client’ does not preclude a 
court from finding that an attorney-client relationship exists.”  (Citation omitted)).   
Zhang’s representation of Husband in the immigration matter did not conclude 
until she withdrew her appearance on November 26, 2010.  Zhang’s representation of 
Wife began in November 2010.  Accordingly, Zhang’s representation in the two matters 
- 30 - 
overlapped in November 2010.  Moreover, the allegations included in the original 
complaint for annulment, prepared by Zhang, contained allegations related to the 
immigration matter, including that Husband “used the green card application for [Wife] 
as the inducement tool for her to marry him[.]”  In other words, the conflict of interest is 
substantiated by the circumstances of the overlapping cases, as well as the taking of 
conflicting positions in the two cases—on one hand seeking of immigration status for 
Wife based on the existence of the marriage and on the other hand seeking an 
annulment/divorce—as Zhang herself recognized in an e-mail to Metcalf on November 
15, 2010, in which she stated that if Husband hired a lawyer, “they would disqualify [her] 
for the conflict [of] interest.”  As such, under MLRPC 1.7(a), Zhang could not represent 
Wife, absent compliance with MLRPC 1.7(b).  The record does not indicate that Zhang 
attempted to comply with MLRPC 1.7(b) and obtain the informed consent, confirmed in 
writing, from both Husband and Wife.   
MLRPC 1.16(a) (Declining or Terminating Representation) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 1.16(a), 
and argues that she was not required to withdraw from representing Wife because she 
never entered her appearance in the Virginia Court.   
MLRPC 1.16(a) provides, in relevant part: “[A] lawyer shall not represent a client 
or, where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a 
client if: (1) the representation will result in violation of the [MLRPC] or other law[.]”  
(Paragraph break omitted). 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
- 31 - 
Zhang violated MLRPC 1.16(a).  Zhang had a conflict of interest in representing both 
Husband and Wife at the same time.  Thus, although Zhang did not enter her appearance 
in the Virginia Court—and, indeed, could not enter her appearance because she was not 
licensed to practice in Virginia or admitted pro hac vice—Zhang was obligated to not 
represent Wife at all because her representation constituted a violation of MLRPC 
1.7(a).12  Zhang did so anyway.   
MLRPC 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 3.1, and 
argues that Lu first represented that Husband was “impotent” via e-mail on which 
Demsky and Husband were copied and which neither Demsky nor Husband corrected.  
Zhang contends that she had a right to rely on the veracity of Lu’s statements and to 
represent them as true to the Virginia Court.   
MLRPC 3.1 provides: 
A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an 
issue therein, unless there is a basis for doing so that is not frivolous, which 
includes, for example, a good faith argument for an extension, modification 
or reversal of existing law.  A lawyer may nevertheless so defend the 
proceeding as to require that every element of the moving party’s case be 
established. 
 
A lawyer violates MLRPC 3.1 where “the lawyer is unable [] to make a good faith 
argument on the merits of the action taken[.]”  Cmt. [2] to MLRPC 3.1. 
                                              
12Contrary to Zhang’s contention, MLRPC 1.16(a) does not state that the lawyer 
shall withdraw his or her “appearance,” and instead states that a lawyer “shall withdraw 
from the representation” if the representation has commenced.  Thus, Zhang’s argument 
that she was not required to withdraw from the representation of Wife because she never 
entered her appearance in the Virginia Court is based on a misreading of MLRPC 1.16(a). 
- 32 - 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 3.1.  The record demonstrates that Zhang—not Lu—first 
suggested an annulment based on Husband’s “impotence” despite having no knowledge 
of, or reason to believe, that Husband had such a medical condition, and despite not 
having discussed the matter with Wife.  Zhang admitted as much at a deposition.  In other 
words, Zhang lacked a good faith basis for asserting Husband’s alleged medical condition 
as a ground for annulment.  That Husband’s counsel agreed with Zhang’s suggestion does 
not absolve Zhang from proposing “impotence” as a ground for annulment without any 
knowledge or basis for believing that Wife would be able to prevail on such a ground.  
The lack of a good faith basis for asserting such a ground was manifested by the Virginia 
Court’s order setting aside the February Agreement at Wife’s behest.   
MLRPC 3.7(a) (Lawyer as Witness) 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 3.7(a), 
and maintains that, because she never considered herself to be Wife’s attorney, there was 
no need for her “to strike herself as a witness or resign as [Wife]’s attorney[.]”  Zhang 
argues that the Rule was not implicated because, having not entered her appearance in the 
Virginia Court, she did not “act as advocate at a trial[.]”   
MLRPC 3.7(a) provides as follows: 
A lawyer shall not act as advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to 
be a necessary witness unless: 
 
(1) the testimony relates to an uncontested issue; 
(2) the testimony relates to the nature and value of legal services 
rendered in the case; or 
(3) disqualification of the lawyer would work substantial hardship on 
- 33 - 
the client. 
 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 3.7(a).  Zhang was Wife’s counsel.  Zhang’s contention that a 
lawyer does not act as an advocate where he or she does not enter his or her appearance 
in a particular court lacks merit.  MLRPC 3.7 does not state that the “advocate at a trial” 
must have entered his or her appearance in a court to be considered an “advocate.”  And 
the term “advocate” is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “[a] person who assists, 
defends, pleads, or prosecutes for another.”  Black’s Law Dictionary 60 (8th ed. 2004).  
Thus, that Zhang did not enter her appearance does not relieve her of the responsibility of 
complying with MLRPC 3.7(a).  Indeed, the very matter at issue demonstrates that Zhang 
violated MLRPC 3.7(a).  In the answers to interrogatories that Zhang provided to 
Metcalf, Zhang is identified as a potential witness.  This demonstrates that Zhang, while 
acting as an advocate for Wife by preparing answers to interrogatories, identified herself 
(the advocate) as a potential witness.   
MLRPC 4.1(a) (Truthfulness in Statements to Others) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 4.1(a), 
and argues that the conclusion is not supported by clear and convincing evidence.   
MLRPC 4.1(a) provides: 
In the course of representing a client a lawyer shall not knowingly: 
 
(1) make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person; 
or 
(2) fail to disclose a material fact when disclosure is necessary to 
avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client. 
 
- 34 - 
Comment [1] to MLRPC 4.1 explains that misrepresentations can occur in one of two 
manners: “A misrepresentation can occur if the lawyer incorporates or affirms a 
statement of another person that the lawyer knows is false.  Misrepresentations can also 
occur by partially true but misleading statements or omissions that are the equivalent of 
affirmative false statements.” 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 4.1(a).  Zhang falsely told or led Metcalf to believe that Wife 
had difficulty with the English language and that all communication had to be handled 
through her.  Zhang also falsely led Metcalf to believe that Wife had participated in the 
settlement negotiations on February 17, 2011, and that Wife knew of and consented to the 
terms of the February Agreement.  Metcalf testified that, after discussing the matter with 
Zhang, there was “no question in [her] mind” that she was left with the “impression” that 
Zhang had discussed the February Agreement’s terms with Wife prior to the execution of 
the February Agreement and that Wife was “okay” with the terms.  Thus, there are at 
least two instances where Zhang made false statements of material fact to Metcalf.   
MLRPC 5.5(a) (Unauthorized Practice of Law) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 5.5(a), 
and argues that she did not represent Wife before the Virginia Court in the 
annulment/divorce matter; i.e., she did not practice law in Virginia.   
MLRPC 5.5(a) states: “A lawyer shall not practice law in a jurisdiction in 
violation of the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction, or assist another in 
doing so.”  Comment [1] to MLRPC 5.5 further explains, in relevant part: “A lawyer may 
- 35 - 
practice law only in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is authorized to practice.”   
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 5.5(a).  It is readily apparent that Zhang represented Wife in the 
annulment/divorce matter.  Although Zhang did not sign any pleadings submitted to the 
Virginia Court, it is undisputed that Zhang drafted and prepared pleadings to be filed, 
participated in settlement negotiations, and prepared for hearings.  Drafting pleadings, 
engaging in negotiations, conducting research, and preparing for hearings are actions 
routinely taken by lawyers in the practice of law.  To engage in the practice of law does 
not require that one enter an appearance, or even initiate a lawsuit.  See Attorney 
Grievance Comm’n v. Brisbon, 422 Md. 625, 641, 31 A.3d 110, 120 (2011) (“Where trial 
work is not involved but the preparation of legal documents, their interpretation, the 
giving of legal advice, or the application of legal principles to problems of any 
complexity, is involved, these activities are still the practice of law.”  (Citation and 
internal quotation marks omitted)).  In short, Zhang represented Wife in the Virginia 
Court although she was not licensed to practice law in Virginia and did not enter her 
appearance in the annulment/divorce matter.  
MLRPC 7.4(a) (Communication of Fields of Practice) 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s determination that she violated MLRPC 
7.4(a).  Zhang argues that the amended petition failed to include any allegation that she 
held herself out as a specialist and that, accordingly, she lacked fair notice of the charge.   
MLRPC 7.4(a) provides: “A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer 
does or does not practice in particular fields of law, subject to the requirements of 
- 36 - 
[MLRPC] 7.1.  A lawyer shall not hold himself or herself out publicly as a specialist.”   
 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 7.4(a).  Zhang’s law firm’s website states that it “is one of the 
best firms specialized in the immigration and corporate law practice in the Washington, 
DC area.”  The website describes Zhang as being “specialized in the immigration and 
corporation law practice representing corporate and individual clients on their 
immigration matters and business transactions.”  These two statements demonstrate that 
Zhang held herself and her law firm “out publicly as a specialist” in immigration and 
corporation law.13   
MLRPC 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit, or Misrepresentation) 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 8.4(c) 
and argues that “none of the predicate violations which compose the elements for a 
M[L]RPC Rule 8.4 violation have been proven by ‘clear and convincing evidence.’”   
MLRPC 8.4(c) provides: “It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to . . . engage 
in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit[,] or misrepresentation[.]”  In Attorney 
Grievance Comm’n v. Dore, 433 Md. 685, 707-08, 73 A.3d 161, 174 (2013), we stated 
“that dishonesty and misrepresentation under [MLRPC] 8.4(c) have no requirement of 
intent to deceive.”  In other words, “so long as an attorney knowingly makes a false 
                                              
13Although there is no specific allegation in the amended petition filed by Bar 
Counsel identifying these statements from the website, Bar Counsel charged a violation 
of MLRPC 7.4, thus placing Zhang on notice that she was being charged with holding 
herself out publicly as a specialist.  And, at the hearing, excerpts from the website were 
admitted into evidence during Bar Counsel’s case, thus providing Zhang with the 
opportunity to address the matter.   
- 37 - 
statement, he necessarily engages in conduct involving misrepresentation [under MLRPC 
8.4(c)].  No intent to deceive is necessary.”  Id. at 708, 73 A.3d at 174 (citation omitted).  
Fraud and deceit, on the other hand, typically require that Bar Counsel allege and prove 
an intent to deceive.  Id. at 708, 73 A.3d at 174.  
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 8.4(c).  Zhang was not truthful in her dealings with Metcalf 
concerning Wife’s representation, and made false statements of material fact to Metcalf 
about Wife’s ability to communicate in English and Wife’s knowledge of, and consent to, 
the terms of the February Agreement.  These circumstances alone demonstrate that Zhang 
engaged in conduct involving dishonesty and misrepresentation.  In addition, prior to the 
hearing on the motion to set aside, Zhang provided Metcalf with notes that contained 
numerous misrepresentations, including that Wife had given Metcalf “general 
authorization” to settle the case when, in actuality, it was Zhang who advised Metcalf that 
she (Zhang) had authorization to speak for Wife, and it was Zhang who testified at 
deposition that she had been given a global authorization by Wife and Wife’s parents.  
The statement prepared by Zhang obscured her role in Wife’s representation altogether 
and misrepresented the facts of the case.  This conduct certainly involved dishonesty, if 
not an intent to deceive the Virginia Court as to Zhang’s role in Wife’s representation.   
MLRPC 8.4(d) (Conduct That Is Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 8.4(d).   
“It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to . . . engage in conduct that is 
prejudicial to the administration of justice[.]”  MLRPC 8.4(d).  “In general, a[ lawyer] 
- 38 - 
violates [MLRPC] 8.4(d) when his or her conduct impacts negatively the public’s 
perception or efficacy of the courts or legal profession.”  Dore, 433 Md. at 696, 73 A.3d 
at 167 (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).   
 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 8.4(d).  Zhang represented Wife in an annulment/divorce matter 
in Virginia even though she was not licensed to practice law in Virginia and had a 
conflict of interest.  She failed to convey the terms of the January and February 
settlement agreements to Wife, yet she authorized Metcalf to sign the agreements on 
Wife’s behalf.  Zhang engaged in dishonest conduct, making false statements and 
misrepresentations to Metcalf and concealing her role in Wife’s representation from the 
Virginia Court.  And, Zhang’s conduct resulted in the February Agreement being set 
aside.  Considered in its entirety, Zhang’s conduct negatively reflected on attorneys and 
the legal profession, and had the effect of bringing the legal profession into disrepute.   
MLRPC 8.4(a) (Violating the MLRPC) 
 
Zhang excepts to the hearing judge’s conclusion that she violated MLRPC 8.4(a).   
“It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to[] violate or attempt to violate the 
[MLRPC], knowingly assist or induce another to do so, or do so through the acts of 
another[.]”  MLRPC 8.4(a). 
 
Here, clear and convincing evidence supports the hearing judge’s conclusion that 
Zhang violated MLRPC 8.4(a).  As discussed above, Zhang violated MLRPC 1.1, 1.2(a), 
1.4(a), 1.7(a), 1.16(a), 3.1, 3.7(a), 4.1(a), 5.5(a), 7.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d). 
- 39 - 
E. Sanction 
 
Bar Counsel recommends that we disbar Zhang.  Zhang argues that she should not 
“be subject to formal discipline” because Bar Counsel failed to prove the violations of the 
MLRPC by clear and convincing evidence.  Alternatively, Zhang recommends that we 
reprimand her.   
 
In Dore, 433 Md. at 717, 73 A.3d at 180, we stated: 
When we impose sanctions, our goal is not to punish the [lawyer], but 
rather to protect the public and the public’s confidence in the legal 
profession [and] to deter other lawyers from violating the [MLRPC].  To 
achieve this goal, the sanction should be commensurate with the nature and 
the gravity of the misconduct and the intent with which it was committed.  
In determining an appropriate sanction, we often refer to the American Bar 
Association’s Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, which focus on 
the nature of the ethical duty violated, the lawyer’s mental state, the extent 
of the actual or potential injury caused by the lawyer’s misconduct, and any 
aggravating or mitigating [factor]s. 
 
(Second alteration in original) (citations and internal quotation marks omitted). 
 
Here, as to the nature of the ethical duty violated, Zhang violated MLRPC 1.1, 
1.2(a), 1.4(a), 1.7(a), 1.16(a), 3.1, 3.7(a), 4.1(a), 5.5(a), 7.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) by 
representing Wife in an annulment/divorce matter despite a conflict of interest; by failing 
to provide competent representation and to conduct adequate research into grounds for 
annulment; by making misrepresentations to Metcalf concerning Wife’s ability to 
communicate in English and Wife’s knowledge of, and consent to, the terms of the 
February Agreement; and by effectively concealing her role in Wife’s representation 
from the Virginia Court.  As to Zhang’s state of mind, the record demonstrates that, 
Zhang purposefully engaged in misconduct to assist Wife in a personal matter.  As to the 
- 40 - 
actual or potential injury that Zhang’s misconduct caused, Zhang’s misconduct 
negatively impacted the public’s perception of the legal profession, and necessitated that 
the February Agreement be set aside. 
 
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Davy, 435 Md. 674, 710, 80 A.3d 322, 342-43 
(2013), we stated: 
Aggravating factors include: (a) prior disciplinary offenses; (b) 
dishonest or selfish motive; (c) pattern of misconduct; (d) multiple 
offenses; (e) bad faith obstruction of the [attorney] disciplinary 
proceeding[] by intentionally failing to comply with rules or orders of the 
[Commission]; (f) submission of false evidence, false statements, or other 
deceptive practices during the [attorney] disciplinary proce[eding]; (g) 
refusal to acknowledge wrongful nature of conduct; (h) vulnerability of the 
victim; (i) substantial experience in the practice of law; [and] (j) 
indifference to making restitution. 
 
(Some alterations in original) (citation and paragraph breaks omitted). 
Here, the hearing judge did not find any aggravating factors.  Upon our 
independent review, we discern two aggravating factors: Zhang engaged in a pattern of 
misconduct and violated several MLRPC.   
The following constitute mitigating factors: 
(a) absence of a prior disciplinary record; (b) absence of a dishonest or 
selfish motive; (c) personal or emotional problems; (d) timely good faith 
efforts to make restitution or to rectify consequences of misconduct; (e) full 
and free disclosure to [the Commission] or cooperative attitude toward [the 
attorney discipline] proceeding[]; (f) inexperience in the practice of law; (g) 
character or reputation; (h) physical disability; (i) mental disability or 
chemical dependency including alcoholism or drug abuse when: (1) there is 
medical evidence that the [lawyer] is affected by a chemical dependency or 
mental disability; (2) the chemical dependency or mental disability caused 
the misconduct; (3) the [lawyer]’s recovery from the chemical dependency 
or mental disability is demonstrated by a meaningful and sustained period 
of successful rehabilitation; and (4) the recovery arrested the misconduct 
and recurrence of that misconduct is unlikely; (j) delay in [the attorney] 
- 41 - 
disciplinary proceeding[]; (k) imposition of other penalties or sanctions; (l) 
remorse; [and] (m) remoteness of prior offenses. 
 
Davy, 435 Md. at 712-13, 80 A.3d at 344 (some alterations in original) (citation and 
paragraph breaks omitted). 
Here, the hearing judge found that Zhang “did not meet her burden of proving any 
mitigation.”  Zhang excepts to this finding and argues that the hearing judge erred in not 
finding the following mitigation: (1) the absence of a prior disciplinary record; (2) the 
absence of a selfish or dishonest motive; (3) her taking steps to alert the Virginia Court of 
the misrepresentation about Husband’s “impotence”; and (4) her cooperation with Bar 
Counsel.  Upon our independent review, we determine that the record establishes the 
absence of prior attorney discipline as the sole mitigating factor.  At oral argument, Bar 
Counsel conceded that Zhang had no prior disciplinary record.   
As to the other three factors alleged by Zhang to be mitigating—motive, 
rectification, and attitude—the record refutes, rather than supports, Zhang’s contentions.  
Zhang made a misrepresentation regarding Husband’s medical condition to help Wife, 
her relative.  Although the motivation of helping a relative may not be at the most 
egregious end of selfishness (i.e., seeking personal gain), Zhang nonetheless had a 
personal interest in achieving a positive outcome for her relative, and her motive was not 
free from self-interest.  Zhang’s filing of a motion to set aside the February Agreement 
based on her own dishonesty does not constitute a “timely good faith effort[] . . . to 
rectify consequences of misconduct[.]”  Davy, 435 Md. at 713, 80 A.3d at 344.  And, 
there is no basis to conclude that Zhang was cooperative with Bar Counsel such that the 
- 42 - 
cooperation would rise to the level of a mitigating factor.  Thus, based on this record, we 
conclude that the only mitigating factor is the absence of prior attorney discipline.   
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Elmendorf, 404 Md. 353, 357, 360, 363, 946 
A.2d 542, 544, 546, 548 (2008), this Court reprimanded a lawyer who violated MLRPC 
8.4(d).  The lawyer exchanged personal e-mails with a woman who inquired “whether 
there was any way to get around the requirement that the parties be separated one year in 
order to obtain a no-fault divorce.”  Id. at 355-56, 946 A.2d at 543-44.  In a “brief, off-
the-cuff response via e-mail,” the lawyer told the woman: “You can file whatever you 
want so long as the parties say that it has been a year, the court won’t question it so long 
as the parties agree to that.”  Id. at 356, 946 A.2d at 544.  In concluding that a reprimand 
was the appropriate sanction, we observed that “the hearing judge found, not that the 
[lawyer] intentionally engaged in the conduct, or gave the advice intending it to be 
followed, but simply that it ‘was such that it could have given [the woman] the 
impression that intentionally misrepresenting information to the Court is acceptable as 
long as the parties set forth the same information.’”  Id. at 363, 946 A.2d at 548 
(emphasis in original).  Also, there was “no indication that” the woman acted upon the 
lawyer’s e-mail.  Id. at 363, 946 A.2d at 548.   
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Tanko, 408 Md. 404, 416, 419, 426, 969 A.2d 
1010, 1018, 1020, 1024 (2009), this Court suspended from the practice of law for sixty 
days a lawyer who violated MLRPC 3.3 and 8.4(d).  This Court stated: 
[T]he [lawyer] filed expungement petitions for charges ineligible for 
expungement in an attempt to have the petitions “slip by” the court and be 
granted.  Further, the hearing judge found that the [lawyer] was aware of 
- 43 - 
the three-year waiting period–this was evidenced by his acknowledgement 
to that effect in a letter to Bar Counsel, as well as by his striking certain 
wording in the petitions he filed–and that his actions in this regard were 
misleading to the District Court.  While the [lawyer]’s actions were indeed 
misleading and, to a lesser degree, negligent, his actions do not rise to the 
level necessitating disbarment.  See Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. 
Vanderlinde, 364 Md. 376, 418, 773 A.2d 463, 488 (dishonest–perjurious 
and fraudulent–conduct ordinarily should result in disbarment).  And when 
we consider, in mitigation, the [lawyer]’s lack of any prior disciplinary 
action and, as stated by the hearing judge, “his misunderstanding of the 
relevant case and statutory law[,]” the appropriate sanction in this case is a 
sixty day suspension. 
 
Tanko, 408 Md. at 425-26, 969 A.2d at 1023-24 (last alteration in original). 
 
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. McGlade, 425 Md. 524, 546, 550, 543, 42 A.3d 
534, 547, 549, 545 (2012), even though the Commission recommended disbarment, this 
Court indefinitely suspended from the practice of law a lawyer who violated MLRPC 1.1, 
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.3, 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d).  In McGlade, id. at 549-50, 42 A.3d at 549, 
we explained why an indefinite suspension was the appropriate sanction: 
 
The appropriate sanction in this case must be greater than the 
sanctions imposed in [two other cases—a sixty-day suspension and a forty-
five-day suspension], because [the lawyer]’s conduct–negotiating a 
settlement without his client’s knowledge while suggesting to opposing 
counsel that the client was being consulted and, worse, suggesting 
thereafter to the court that the negotiated consent order had his client’s 
approval—was more severe than that in either of those cases.  The sanction, 
though, ought not be as severe as the disbarment ordered in [another case], 
as [the hearing judge] did not find that [the lawyer] committed a crime or 
perpetrated an actual fraud upon the court.  Moreover, we do not overlook 
[the lawyer]’s fine reputation as a lawyer, his otherwise unblemished 
disciplinary record, and the “modicum” of remorse found by [the hearing 
judge]. 
 
 
And, in Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Keiner, 421 Md. 492, 521-22, 527, 27 
A.3d 153, 171, 174 (2011), we disbarred a lawyer who violated MLRPC 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 
- 44 - 
8.4(a), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d).  The lawyer failed to communicate with clients; 
“misappropriated the law firm’s resources, by using the firm’s postage, paper, various 
office supplies, and Accurint subscription to locate potential clients”; and “altered and 
deleted documents within the firm’s electronic client files.”  Id. at 522-23, 27 A.3d at 
171.   The lawyer’s actions were taken “with the intention of taking those clients from the 
law firm and making them his, once he established his own practice.”  Id. at 523, 27 A.2d 
at 171-72.  We concluded that the lawyer’s “intentional dishonest conduct, motivated 
exclusively by his desire for personal gain,” warranted disbarment, as the lawyer failed to 
prove any compelling extenuating circumstances.  Id. at 527, 27 A.2d at 174.  
 
Here, Zhang represented her niece, Wife, in an annulment/divorce matter in 
Virginia despite a conflict of interest with her representation of Husband in an 
immigration matter and despite not being licensed to practice law in Virginia.  In 
furtherance of her representation of Wife, Zhang made misrepresentations to co-counsel 
concerning key issues, including communication and settlement agreements, and took 
steps to conceal her role in Wife’s representation.  Such misconduct involved dishonesty, 
misrepresentations, and false statements of material fact.  
 
Under this Court’s jurisprudence, and in agreement with the Commission, we 
conclude that disbarment is the appropriate sanction for Zhang’s violations of MLRPC 
1.1, 1.2(a), 1.4(a), 1.7(a), 1.16(a), 3.1, 3.7(a), 4.1(a), 5.5(a), 7.4(a), 8.4(c), 8.4(d), and 
- 45 - 
8.4(a).14  Zhang’s conduct involved a series of intentional dishonest acts committed over 
a sustained period of time.  Zhang’s dishonest conduct ranged from misleading Metcalf 
about Wife’s ability to speak English to deceiving the Virginia Court.  Cf. Keiner, 421 
Md. at 527, 27 A.3d at 174 (Where a lawyer engages in “intentional dishonest 
misconduct, motivated exclusively by his desire for personal gain,” and where “the 
totality of the mitigation” the lawyer proves “does not constitute the ‘compelling 
extenuating circumstances’ necessary to permit a sanction less than disbarment[,]” then 
disbarment is appropriate.  (Citations omitted)); Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. 
Vanderlinde, 364 Md. 376, 418, 773 A.2d 463, 488 (2001) (“[I]ntentional dishonest 
conduct is closely entwined with the most important matters of basic character to such a 
degree as to make intentional dishonest conduct by a lawyer almost beyond excuse. . . . 
Disbarment ordinarily should be the sanction for intentional dishonest conduct.”).   
There is only one mitigating factor, lack of prior attorney discipline, and no 
compelling extenuating circumstances.  Moreover, two aggravating factors accompany 
Zhang’s misconduct—Zhang engaged in a pattern of misconduct and violated numerous 
MLRPC.  We have carefully examined Zhang’s mental state.  See Dore, 433 Md. at 717, 
73 A.3d at 180 (This Court considers the “lawyer’s mental state” in determining an 
appropriate sanction.).  Although Zhang’s assistance of Wife involved no intent for 
                                              
14We disagree with Zhang’s recommendation of a reprimand.  Reprimands or short 
periods of suspension from the practice of law may be appropriate in cases in which there 
are few violations of the MLRPC or where the conduct is fairly innocuous.  See, e.g., 
Elmendorf, 404 Md. at 363, 946 A.2d at 548.  Here, by contrast, Zhang violated multiple 
MLRPC—thirteen to be exact—during Wife’s representation, and her conduct involved 
dishonesty, misrepresentations, and the unauthorized practice of law, among other things.   
- 46 - 
personal financial gain, nor any intent for personal financial or business gain for Wife, a 
young relative for whom Zhang testified she felt parental responsibility,15 Zhang’s 
misconduct consisted of: (1) failing to communicate settlement offers to Wife; (2) 
misrepresenting Wife’s ability to communicate in English to Metcalf, thereby causing 
Metcalf to not speak directly with Wife for over three months; (3) misleading Metcalf as 
to Wife’s knowledge of and consent to the February Agreement and Wife’s participation 
in the settlement negotiations leading up to the execution of the February Agreement; (4) 
authorizing Metcalf to execute the January Agreement and February Agreement on 
Wife’s behalf despite Wife’s lack of knowledge of or consent to the agreements; (5) 
falsely telling Metcalf that Wife had agreed to the February Agreement’s terms; (6) using 
her website to hold herself out publicly as a specialist in immigration and corporate law; 
(7) using her website to falsely state that she was authorized to practice law in Virginia; 
(8) engaging in the unauthorized practice of law in Virginia; (9) representing Wife 
despite the existence of a conflict of interest; (10) falsely asserting Husband’s alleged 
medical condition as a ground for annulment despite the lack of a good faith basis for 
asserting the claim; (11) having Metcalf present false information to the Virginia Court as 
to Husband’s alleged medical condition; and (12) causing the Virginia Court to enter the 
consent order memorializing the terms of the February Agreement containing false 
information regarding Husband.     
                                              
15At the hearing, Zhang testified that Wife is her brother’s daughter and that, when 
Wife was in the United States, she was to “take care of” Wife and act as a parent to Wife.  
This testimony is not endorsed or adopted in the hearing judge’s findings of fact.  
- 47 - 
Over time, Zhang’s mental state changed from helping a family member to 
concealment of her misconduct from the Virginia Court through intentional dishonest 
acts committed over a sustained period of time.  Zhang took steps to conceal her 
representation of Wife from the Virginia Court, by dropping the plan to seek pro hac vice 
admission to the Bar of Virginia because she realized a conflict of interest existed.  Later, 
Zhang asked Metcalf to misrepresent the facts and circumstances that led to the signing 
of the February Agreement at the March 18, 2011, hearing to conceal Zhang’s role in 
Wife’s representation.   
Although ostensibly similar, Zhang’s misconduct is more serious than that of the 
lawyer in McGlade, 425 Md. at 549-50, 42 A.3d at 549, in which this Court refrained 
from disbarring the lawyer where: (1) the lawyer did not “perpetrate[] an actual fraud 
upon the court”; (2) the lawyer’s misconduct was comprised of an isolated incident; and 
(3) remorse mitigated the lawyer’s misconduct.  By contrast, here: (1) Zhang’s false 
statements to Metcalf and Lu eventually led to the Virginia Court’s vacating the consent 
order and stating that an attempted fraud had been perpetrated on the Virginia Court; (2) 
Zhang made multiple misrepresentations over a prolonged period of time; and (3) the 
record does not demonstrate that remorse mitigates Zhang’s misconduct. 
Simply put, we are satisfied that disbarment is the sanction that will best “protect 
the public[.]”  Dore, 433 Md. at 717, 73 A.3d at 180 (citation and internal quotation 
marks omitted).  Even taking into account Zhang’s initial mental state to help a relative, 
and even if that mental state were to be deemed a mitigating factor, such circumstances 
would not prevent imposition of disbarment where Zhang’s conduct involved 
- 48 - 
intentionally dishonest conduct—pervasive misrepresentations that are not excused by 
compelling extenuating circumstances.  Thus, despite our recognition that Zhang’s initial 
motivation or mental state may have been to help a family member, intentional dishonest 
conduct of the type and pervasiveness that Zhang displayed, and the lack of compelling 
extenuating circumstances, leads to the inescapable conclusion that disbarment is the 
appropriate sanction.  To conclude otherwise would be to carve a one-case exception out 
of years’ worth of case law.  See, e.g., Vanderlinde, 364 Md. at 418, 773 A.2d at 488. 
Zhang engaged in a pattern of deception that at first was motivated by a desire to 
help a family member, cf. Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Sheinbein, 372 Md. 224, 261, 
244, 254, 812 A.2d 981, 1002, 992, 998 (2002) (This Court disbarred a lawyer who 
helped his son, a murder suspect, flee the country; this Court stated: “Inherent in an 
attorney’s duty is the upholding of the law, even above his own or his family’s 
interests.”), and later was motivated by a desire to conceal her own misconduct.  
Although Zhang’s motivation initially had been to help a relative, Zhang’s motivation 
clearly changed to the purely selfish interest of concealing her own misconduct.  Cf. 
Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Blum, 373 Md. 275, 305, 304, 818 A.2d 219, 237, 236 
(2003) (This Court disbarred a lawyer who had made “multiple, blatant 
misrepresentations . . . in an attempt to obfuscate the truth and save his own skin.”).16  
                                              
16We are aware that Zhang’s misconduct is factually distinct from that of the 
lawyers in Sheinbein and Blum.  We rely on Sheinbein only for the premise that a 
lawyer’s motive to help a family member does not militate in favor of a lesser sanction.  
Similarly, we rely on Blum only for the premise that a lawyer’s motive to conceal his or 
her own misconduct militates in favor of a greater sanction. 
- 49 - 
Zhang’s abandonment of her ethical obligation to be honest on multiple occasions over 
such a significant period of time, combined with her involvement in sponsoring the false 
February Agreement to the Virginia Court, and her efforts to conceal her own 
misconduct, persuades us that disbarment is the appropriate sanction.  
For the above reasons, we disbar Zhang. 
 
IT IS SO ORDERED; RESPONDENT SHALL 
PAY ALL COSTS AS TAXED BY THE CLERK 
OF THIS COURT, INCLUDING COSTS OF ALL 
TRANSCRIPTS, PURSUANT TO MARYLAND 
RULE 
16-761(B), 
FOR 
WHICH 
SUM  
JUDGMENT IS ENTERED IN FAVOR OF THE 
ATTORNEY 
GRIEVANCE 
COMMISSION 
AGAINST RUNAN ZHANG. 
Circuit Court for Montgomery County
Case No. 28641M
Argued: May 6, 2014
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
OF MARYLAND
Misc. Docket AG No. 11
September Term, 2013
ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION
OF MARYLAND
v.
RUNAN ZHANG
Barbera, C.J.
Harrell
Battaglia
Greene
Adkins
McDonald
Watts,
JJ.
Concurring and Dissenting Opinion 
by McDonald, J., which Adkins, J. joins.
Filed: July 21, 2014
The Majority Opinion thoroughly and accurately reviews the record of this
proceeding.  I agree with the Majority’s disposition of the exceptions.  My only disagreement
is with the sanction.  I would impose an indefinite suspension.
There is no question that Ms. Zhang violated several provisions of the MLRPC ; the
1
more difficult question is the sanction to be imposed.  One of the potential mitigating factors
that we recognize is the “absence of a ... selfish motive.”  Majority slip op. at 40.  There
One of the violations in this case suggests that a rule is ripe for revision.  In
1
particular, we find that Ms. Zhang violated MLRPC 7.4(a) because she stated on her website
that she “specialized” in certain areas of practice.  Majority slip op. at 34-35.  This appears
to be a violation of the rule, but does the rule itself make sense?
A random walk through the websites of law firms listed in the yellow pages of the
Maryland Lawyers’ Manual yields many instances in which lawyers strongly imply, or state
in other words, that they specialize in certain fields.  Limitation of one’s practice to certain
areas and disclosure of that limitation to the public is a good thing.  A lawyer who tries to be
a jack of all trades will be competent at none and may commit more serious violations of the
MLRPC.  A person who is looking for a lawyer to help with a divorce should not waste time
considering whether to hire a lawyer whose practice is devoted entirely to workers’
compensation.  At worst, the violation of MLRPC 7.4(a) here is a case of “ineligible
synonym,” perhaps worthy of a five-yard penalty from the podium, but not itself a cause for
disbarment.
The Maryland version of Rule 7.4(a) flatly prohibits a lawyer from holding out as
“specialist.”  By contrast, Rule 7.4(a) of the current version of the model rules adopted by
the American Bar Association (“ABA”) prohibits a lawyer from stating or implying that the
lawyer is “certified as a specialist” – a statement that implies that some regulatory body has
endorsed the lawyer’s ability in a particular area.  The commentary to the model rule states
that “A lawyer is generally permitted to state that the lawyer is a ‘specialist,’ practices a
‘specialty,’ or ‘specializes in’ particular fields, but such communications are subject to the
‘false and misleading’ standard applied in Rule 7.1 concerning a lawyer’s services.”  ABA,
Model Rules of Professional Conduct (2013), Rule 7.4, Comment [1], at 561.  Perhaps it
would be worth considering a conforming revision to our rule.
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appears to be no disagreement that Ms. Zhang became involved in the Virginia proceeding
that led to this disciplinary action because she wished to help a young niece – for whom she
felt responsible – who was in the process of immigrating to this country and who apparently
had made a mistake in entering into a marriage.  The Majority concedes that “the motivation
of helping a relative may not be at the most egregious end of selfishness,” but discounts it
on the ground that she had “a personal interest in achieving a positive outcome for her
relative” and therefore was “not free from self-interest.”   Id. at 41.  
In my view, “absence of a selfish motive” does not mean “selfless.”  In other words,
an errant attorney need not be a candidate for canonization to be worthy of a sanction short
of disbarment.  Rather, this mitigating factor helps distinguish situations in which an attorney
acts for purposes of self-advancement, greed, or some dishonest purpose, from those in
which an attorney goes astray in a misguided effort to help another.  Although many of her
actions were wrong, misleading to a court, and self-defeating, Ms. Zhang’s underlying
motivation was to help her niece and, unlike the situation in Sheinbein,  the goal of obtaining
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a divorce for her niece was perfectly legal.  I would reserve disbarment for serious
misconduct with a less benevolent motive.
Judge Adkins joins this opinion.
Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Sheinbein, 372 Md. 224, 812 A.2d 981 (2002).
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