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IN THE SUPREME COURT

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA 

2023 ND 188

In the Matter of the Application for 

Disciplinary Action Against Stephen J. 

Baird, a Person Previously Admitted to 

the Bar of the State of North Dakota 

---------- 

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court 

of the State of North Dakota, Petitioner 

 v. 

Stephen J. Baird, Respondent 

No. 20230277

Application for disciplinary action.

DISBARMENT ORDERED. 

Per Curiam. 

[¶1] The Supreme Court has before it a report from a hearing panel of the 

disciplinary board recommending Stephen J. Baird be disbarred from the 

practice of law in North Dakota and refund clients in the amount of $2,000. We 

adopt the hearing panel’s findings and recommended sanctions as explained 

below, and order suspension. 

[¶2] Baird was admitted to practice law in North Dakota on September 27, 

2013. Effective July 21, 2022, Baird was disbarred. See Disciplinary Bd. v. 

Baird, 2022 ND 146, 977 N.W.2d 702. Baird was disbarred effective December 

8, 2022. See Disciplinary Bd. v. Baird, 2022 ND 227, 985 N.W.2d 56. Baird was 

FILED 

IN THE OFFICE OF THE 

CLERK OF SUPREME COURT 

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
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suspended for six months and one day effective August 17, 2023. See 

Disciplinary Bd. v. Baird, 2023 ND 159, 994 N.W.2d 377. Effective September 

8, 2022, Baird was reciprocally disbarred by the Board of Immigration Appeals, 

the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security. Baird was 

the owner and sole partner of Baird Law, which was located in Fargo, North 

Dakota. 

[¶3] Disciplinary Counsel filed an affidavit outlining unsuccessful efforts to 

serve Baird in this disciplinary matter. Therefore, service in this matter was 

made on the Clerk of the Supreme Court under Admission to Practice R. 1. 

Baird failed to answer the petition and Disciplinary Counsel moved for default. 

Baird is in default and the charges in the amended petition for discipline are 

deemed admitted under N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 3.l(E)(2).

[¶4] On August 14, 2023, the hearing panel filed default findings of fact, 

conclusions of law, and recommendations for discipline. The hearing panel 

found that Baird was retained for $2,000 to represent a client in an 

immigration matter. Baird was hired to represent the client on an I-360 green 

card petition. The I-360 petition was based on violence against the client and 

must be filed within two years from when a divorce is finalized. Baird failed to 

communicate with the client. When the client was able to reach Baird, the 

client stated Baird knowingly misrepresented the status of the case. He did not 

monitor the case and did not notify the client of filings. Baird did not respond 

to a request for evidence, which led to denial of the client’s petition. Baird failed 

to notify the client of denial of the petition. Baird’s failure to notify U.S. 

Citizenship and Immigration Services of his new office address caused a delay 

in receiving the denial of the petition and notification to the client. Despite 

requests, the client did not receive a copy of his file or refund of the fee. 

[¶5] The hearing panel concluded Baird’s conduct violated N.D.R. Prof. 

Conduct 1.3, Diligence, by failing to act with reasonable diligence and 

promptness; 1.4, Communication, by failing to keep the client reasonably 

informed about the status of a matter and by failing to respond to reasonable 

requests for information; and 1.16(e), Declining or Terminating 

Representation, by failing to take reasonable steps to protect the client’s
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interests by providing a complete copy of the client file or return any unearned 

fees to the client.

[¶6] The hearing panel considered aggravating factors of prior disciplinary 

offenses and a pattern of misconduct. The hearing panel recommended that 

Baird be disbarred and pay $2,000 restitution to the client.

[¶7] The hearing panel’s report was served on Baird and disciplinary counsel 

on August 16, 2023, and forwarded to the Supreme Court. Objections were due 

within 20 days of service of the report. No objections were received, and the 

matter was submitted to the Court for consideration. The Court considered the 

matter, and:

[¶8] IT IS ORDERED, that Stephen J. Baird is DISBARRED from the 

practice of law, effective immediately.

[¶9] IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Baird pay restitution to the client in 

the amount of $2,000 within 30 days of entry of judgment.

[¶10] IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for any amounts already paid by the 

North Dakota Client Protection Fund on Baird’s behalf, he make restitution 

within 90 days of entry of the judgment in this matter. For any amounts 

relating to this matter paid in the future by the North Dakota Client Protection 

Fund, Baird make restitution to the Fund within 90 days of receiving notice 

payment was made.

[¶11] IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any reinstatement is governed by 

N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 4.5 and cannot occur until at least five years from the 

effective date of disbarment and compliance with the conditions of this order.
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[¶12] IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Baird comply with N.D.R. Lawyer 

Discipl. 6.3 regarding notice.

[¶13] Jon J. Jensen, C.J. 

Daniel J. Crothers 

Lisa Fair McEvers 

Jerod E. Tufte 

Douglas A. Bahr