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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF KANSAS

No. 116,773

In the Matter of UCHECHI OKECHUKWU NWAKANMA,

Respondent.

ORDER OF TEMPORARY SUSPENSION

Uchechi Okechukwu Nwakanma, respondent, an attorney admitted to the practice 

of law in the state of Kansas, is presently the subject of pending disciplinary complaints. 

On October 18, 2016, a hearing panel of the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys 

issued a final hearing report. In the report, the hearing panel stated:

"181. Finally, the hearing panel recommends that the disciplinary administrator file a 

motion seeking the temporary suspension of the respondent's license to practice law while the 

disciplinary case is pending, under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 203(b), for the following reasons: First, the 

respondent repeatedly engaged in dishonest conduct. Second, as described in the preceding 

paragraph, although the respondent claims his practice in Texas is and was limited to 'federal' 

practice, in fact he has engaged in the practice of state law in Texas. Third, the nature of the 

misconduct in J.Z.'s case—taking advanced fees and failing to perform the services—puts the 

respondent's clients at great risk of continued financial loss."

On November 9, 2016, the Disciplinary Administrator filed a motion for 

temporary suspension under Supreme Court Rule 203(b) (2017 Kan. S. Ct. R. 234). In the 

motion, the Disciplinary Administrator argued that the temporary suspension of the 

respondent's license to practice law in the state of Kansas is necessary for the protection 

of the public. 
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On December 15, 2016, this court issued an order to show cause why the 

respondent's license to practice law should not be temporarily suspended during the 

pendency of the disciplinary proceedings pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 203(b). A 

hearing on the matter was scheduled for January 24, 2017. 

At 6:03 p.m. on January 23, 2017, the respondent filed with this court a "Notice of 

Absence for Show Cause Hearing," in which he stated that he would not be appearing at 

the scheduled hearing to respond to the order. On January 24, 2017, the Disciplinary 

Administrator appeared as scheduled, and the court heard argument on the motion for 

temporary suspension.

Temporary suspension under Rule 203(b) pending final disposition of a 

disciplinary complaint is designed to protect clients from injury and loss and to maintain 

the integrity and reputation of the legal profession. Based on the hearing panel's findings, 

the Disciplinary Administrator's presentation, and the respondent's failure to reply to the 

allegations in the show cause order, this court deems temporary suspension appropriate in 

the present case. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 203(b) and for good cause shown, the 

court grants the motion and temporarily suspends the respondent's license to practice law. 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Uchechi Okechukwu Nwakanma be and he is 

hereby temporarily suspended from the practice of law in the state of Kansas until the 

pending disciplinary proceedings against him are resolved or until further order of this

court. During the term of this suspension, the respondent is prohibited from practicing 

law, which includes but is not limited to: holding himself out as an attorney; using a 

letterhead or other printed or electronic materials identifying him as an attorney; filing 

legal proceedings or pleadings in courts or administrative tribunals; appearing for or 

representing clients in any legal proceeding; counseling or consulting with clients in any 

legal matter; and fixing or receiving fees for services involving legal matters while under 

suspension.
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IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this order be filed with the Clerk of the 

United States District Courts for the District of Kansas and the Southern District of Texas 

and be served upon the respondent. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the respondent shall forthwith comply with the 

provisions of Supreme Court Rule 218 (2017 Kan. S. Ct. R. 262). 

Effective this 27th day of January, 2017.