Source: http://www.callawyer.com/Cldiscipline.cfm?DisciplineIssueDate=10-01-2012
Timestamp: 2014-10-20 04:28:02
Document Index: 325990719

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 487', '§ 186', '§ 470', '§ 550', '§ 2944', '§ 236', '§ 422', '§ 23152', '§ 16028', '§ 148', 'art, 39']

Attorney Specialties Market Place Frank M. Ennix, Oakland
Armen E. Gekchyan, Glendale
Richard Hamm, San Jose
Robert Y. Lee, Los Angeles
Barry L. McCown, Bakersfield
Steven T. Mendelsohn, San Francisco
Philip E. Myers, Pasadena
James W. Nelsen, Salinas
James R. Patterson, San Diego
Joseph E. Rowland, Santa Ana
Alexander F. Sun, Arcadia
Charles M. Barrett, Fresno
Jennifer F. Blackburn, Keaau
Kelly D. Christensen, San Diego
Michael D. Crockett, Washington
J. R. Dorcy, Costa Mesa
Gregory S. Emerson, Studio City
Susan E. Emrich, San Diego
Mark Epstein, San Francisco
Stanley L. Evans, Monterey
Emilio N. Francisco, Newport Beach
Kenneth L. Golden, West Hollywood
Anthony Harris, San Francisco
Richard N. Ivker, Glenwood Springs
Christina Johnson, Novato
George A. Juarez, Lafayette
Kevin P. Kelley, Santa Ana
Lawrence G. Lewis, Long Beach
Walter S. Martinez, Rancho Cucamonga
Mark P. McCredie, Oxnard
Matthew D. Mellen, San Mateo
John D. Munoz, Whittier
Michael J. O’Brien, Upland
Paul F. Opel, Encino
Michelle A. Perfili, Lakeside
Theodore A. Pinnock, Carmona, Cavite
Jeremy N. Roark, Riverside
Ellen E. Sroog Rodin, Oakland
Ivan B. Schwartz, San Diego
Danny R. Taylor, Palm Desert
Corecia J. Woo, Auburn
Frank M. Ennix, III, State Bar #40459, Oakland (January 24, 2012).
Ennix, 76, was disbarred for representing clients with potential conflicts of interest without obtaining their informed written consent, failing to competently perform legal services, failing to keep a client reasonably informed of significant developments, failing to respond to a settlement offer, and failing to comply with rule 9.20 of the Rules of Court.
In aggravation, Ennix had a record of prior discipline. He engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing that demonstrated a pattern of misconduct. In mitigation, Ennix cooperated with the State Bar during its investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Armen E. Gekchyan, State Bar #220324, Glendale (January 24, 2012).
Gekchyan, 36, was disbarred after being convicted of violating Penal Code § 487, grand theft, § 186.10, money laundering, and § 470, forgery, felonies involving moral turpitude.
In April 2011 Gekchyan pleaded guilty to violating the above code sections. The conviction is now final, and the State Bar concluded that it met the criteria for summary disbarment. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Richard Hamm, State Bar #61401, San Jose (January 24, 2012).
Hamm, 65, was disbarred for violating conditions to a previous order of discipline, failing to comply with state laws, practicing law while suspended, making misrepresentations to the Office of Probation, issuing client trust account checks against insufficient funds, and commingling funds.
In aggravation, Hamm had a record of prior discipline. Also, he engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Hamm displayed remorse, and his misconduct did not harm clients. Further, he actively participated in the Lawyer Assistance Program. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Robert Y. Lee, State Bar #213848, Los Angeles (January 10, 2012).
Lee, 38, was disbarred for misappropriating client funds and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Lee had a record of prior discipline and his wrongdoing caused serious harm to a client. In mitigation, Lee stipulated to the facts, his culpability, and his discipline. The order took effect February 9, 2012 Barry L. McCown, State Bar #89603, Bakersfield (January 10, 2012).
McCown, 59, was disbarred for failing to competently perform legal services, disobeying a court order, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption. In aggravation, McCown had a record of prior discipline. His misconduct involved trust fund violations, and it caused significant harm to the client, the public, or the administration of justice. In mitigation, McCown acted in good faith. During the period of his misconduct he experienced serious medical problems. The order took effect February 9, 2012 Steven T. Mendelsohn, State Bar #99952, San Francisco (January 30, 2012).
Mendelsohn, 61, was disbarred for failing to competently perform legal services, sharing a legal fee with a nonattorney, failing to promptly respond to reasonable status inquiries, and failing to promptly refund unearned fees.
In aggravation, Mendelsohn’s misconduct caused significant harm to his clients. In mitigation, Mendelsohn had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the bar in 1981. He cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings, and he displayed remorse for his conduct. During the period of his misconduct he experienced emotional and physical difficulties. Though the State Bar did not seek disbarment, Mendelsohn stipulated to disbarment to resolve the matter because he was no longer physically or mentally able to practice law. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Philip E. Myers, State Bar #77543, Pasadena (January 12, 2012).
Myers, 60, was disbarred for failing to maintain client funds in trust, misappropriating funds, failing to provide an accounting, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Myers engaged in multiple acts of misconduct. His wrongdoing significantly harmed the beneficiaries of the trust, and he failed to participate in the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. In mitigation, Myers had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1977. The order took effect February 11, 2012 James W. Nelsen, State Bar #74830, Salinas (January 24, 2012).
Nelsen, 71, was disbarred for appearing for a party without authorization, seeking to mislead a judge, failing to promptly disburse funds to a client, failing to maintain client funds in trust, misappropriating funds, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude. In aggravation, Nelsen’s misconduct caused significant harm to his client and was surrounded by bad faith and overreaching. He displayed indifference toward rectification of or atonement for the consequences of his misconduct. In mitigation, Nelsen had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the bar in 1977. The order took effect February 23, 2012 James R. Patterson, State Bar #171580, San Diego (January 5, 2012).
Patterson, 47, was disbarred for failing to competently perform legal services, improperly withdrawing from representation, failing to release a client file, failing to promptly refund unearned fees, failing to maintain a current address with the State Bar, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption. In aggravation, Patterson’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing that caused significant harm to clients, and he failed to participate in the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 4, 2012 Joseph E. Rowland, State Bar #147636, Santa Ana (January 30, 2012).
Rowland, 64, was disbarred for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to promptly respond to reasonable status inquiries, failing to return a client’s file, committing an act involving moral turpitude, failing to promptly refund unearned fees, and failing to comply with rule 9.20 of the Rules of Court. In aggravation, Rowland had a record of prior discipline, and his misconduct significantly harmed a client. He demonstrated indifference toward rectification of or atonement for the consequences of his misconduct. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Alexander F. Sun, State Bar #149437, Arcadia (January 11, 2012).
Sun, 59, received a summary disbarment following his conviction for violating Penal Code §§ 550 (a)(1) and (a)(5), insurance fraud, a felony that involved acts of moral turpitude.
In November 2009 Sun was placed on interim suspension after being found culpable of violating the above-mentioned Penal Code sections. His conviction is now final, and the State Bar Court concluded that it met the criteria for summary disbarment. The order took effect February 10, 2012 SUSPENSION
Charles M. Barrett, State Bar #94800, Fresno (January 30, 2012).
Barrett, 56, was suspended for 14 months and placed on five years of probation for failing to comply with a previous order of discipline.
In aggravation, Barrett had a record of prior discipline, and his misconduct harmed the administration of justice and the former clients to whom he owed restitution. In mitigation, he cooperated with the State Bar by entering into a stipulation. During the period of his misconduct he experienced serious medical and financial difficulties. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Jennifer F. Blackburn, State Bar #214781, Keaau, HI (December 28, 2012).
Blackburn, 38, was suspended for 90 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to comply with conditions to a previous order of discipline.
In aggravation, Blackburn had a record of prior discipline, and she engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing that demonstrated a pattern of misconduct. In mitigation, during the period of her misconduct Blackburn experienced personal problems. The order took effect January 27, 2012 Kelly D. Christensen, State Bar #182620, San Diego (January 24, 2012).
Christensen, 51, was suspended for three months and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to refund unearned fees, engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, accepting legal fees in a jurisdiction where she was not authorized to practice, and failing to provide an accounting.
In aggravation, Christensen’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Christensen had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1996. She cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. Further, she acted in good faith, seeking to help distressed homeowners obtain loan modifications. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Michael D. Crockett, State Bar #228124, Washington, DC (January 30, 2012).
Crockett, 40, was suspended for 120 days and placed on three years of probation for failing to respond to reasonable status inquiries and failing to provide an accounting.
In aggravation, Crockett expressed no remorse for his misconduct and denied any wrongdoing. Also, he failed to cooperate with the State Bar’s investigation and proceeding. The order took effect February 29, 2012. Jean Marie Curtis, State Bar # 124211, Apache Junction, Arizona (Jan. 12). Curtis, 57, was suspended for 90 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to respond to reasonable status inquiries, failing to maintain client funds in trust, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Curtis had a record of prior discipline, and she engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, during the period of her misconduct Curtis suffered from depression. The order took effect February 11, 2012 J. R. Dorcy, State Bar #170620, Costa Mesa (January 13, 2012).
Dorcy, 49, was suspended for five months and placed on four years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, illegally collecting advance fees to perform mortgage loan modification services, and failing to refund unearned fees. In 2008 Dorcy began to undertake loan modification work and offered a money-back guarantee to clients if he was unsuccessful in negotiating a reduction in loan terms. Shortly thereafter, the state Legislature enacted Civil Code § 2944.7, which prohibited the collection of advance fees for negotiating loan modifications. Between 2009 and 2010 at least twelve clients retained Dorcy to obtain loan modifications. Dorcy collected from them advance fees that ranged from $2,995 to $3,500, but he failed to provide any refund when he was unable to obtain a result. In aggravation, Dorcy had an open discipline case pending at the time of his misconduct. In mitigation, Dorcy had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1994. He cooperated with the State Bar during its investigation and proceedings. Also, he experienced difficult financial and personal problems. The order took effect February 12, 2012 Gregory S. Emerson, State Bar #205053, Studio City (January 30, 2012).
Emerson, 42, was suspended for two years and placed on three years of probation for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, failing to competently perform legal services, failing to refund unearned fees, failing to promptly release client files upon termination of employment, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Emerson had a record of prior discipline. His misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing that harmed clients. In mitigation, Emerson recognized his wrongdoing and cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceeding. During the period of his misconduct he experienced clinical depression and emotional stress. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Susan E. Emrich, State Bar #171174, San Diego (January 12, 2012).
Emrich, 48, was suspended for two years and placed on five years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to keep a client reasonably informed of significant developments in the client’s case, disobeying or violating a court order, misleading a judicial officer, and engaging in acts of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Emrich’s misconduct caused significant harm to her clients and involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, she cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. Also, during the period of her misconduct Emrich suffered from depression. She voluntarily enrolled in the Lawyer Assistance Program and had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1994. The order took effect February 11, 2012 Mark Epstein, State Bar #159801, San Francisco (January 30, 2012).
Epstein, 49, was suspended for 60 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to deposit client funds in a trust account, commingling funds, and failing to comply with the law.
In aggravation, Epstein’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Epstein had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1992, and he cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceeding. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Stanley L. Evans, State Bar #119091, Monterey (January 24, 2012).
Evans, 59, was, suspended for two years and placed on five years of probation for failing to promptly respond to clients’ reasonable status inquiries.
In aggravation, Evans had a record of prior discipline. In mitigation, Evans displayed remorse for his misconduct and cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings The order took effect February 23, 2012 Emilio N. Francisco, State Bar #69900, Newport Beach (January 30, 2012).
Francisco, 63, was suspended for nine months and placed on four years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to promptly respond to a client’s reasonable status inquiries, and failing to promptly refund unearned fees.
In aggravation, Francisco had a record of prior discipline, and his misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Francisco cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings The order took effect February 29, 2012 Kenneth L. Golden, State Bar #250521, West Hollywood (January 30, 2012).
Golden, 34, was suspended for 90 days and placed on two years of probation for violating Penal Code § 236, false imprisonment, and § 422, making criminal threats, both misdemeanors involving acts of moral turpitude.
In mitigation, Golden had no record of prior discipline since being admitted the bar in 2007. Also, he completed 95 hours of additional community service, beyond what was required as a condition of his probation. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Anthony Harris, State Bar #220714, San Francisco (January 5, 2012).
Harris, 52, was suspended for six months and placed on three years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, failing to promptly respond to a client’s reasonable status inquiries, failing to refund unearned fees, disobeying or violating a court order, and commingling funds. In aggravation, Harris engaged in 22 counts of wrongdoing, and his misconduct caused significant harm to his clients. In mitigation, Harris cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. He demonstrated remorse and had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 2002. In addition, during the period of his misconduct Harris experienced extreme personal difficulties. The order took effect February 4, 2012 Richard N. Ivker, State Bar #96282, Glenwood Springs, CO (January 12, 2012).
Ivker, 59, was suspended for one year and placed on two years of probation for advising his client to flee a jurisdiction to avoid prosecution and to illegally return using a false identity, failing to adequately investigate the circumstances of his client’s guilty plea and sentencing, failing to refund unearned fees, and engaging in acts of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption. In aggravation, Ivker’s misconduct was prejudicial to the law. In mitigation, Ivker displayed proof of rehabilitation since the period of his misconduct in 1994. In addition, he cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 11, 2012 Christina Johnson, State Bar #114232, Novato (January 5, 2012).
Johnson, 60, was suspended for 30 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to keep clients reasonably informed of significant developments, failing to promptly release a client’s file upon termination of employment, improperly withdrawing from representation, and violating a court order.
In aggravation, Johnson’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing that significantly harmed her client. In mitigation, Johnson had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1984, and during the period of her misconduct she experienced medical difficulties. The order took effect February 4, 2012 George A. Juarez, State Bar #75295, Lafayette (January 5, 2012).
Juarez, 62, was suspended for one year and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, failing to inform his client of significant developments, failing to respond to client inquiries, seeking to mislead a judicial officer, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Juarez had a record of prior discipline, and he engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing that caused significant harm to his client. Also, he demonstrated indifference toward rectification of or atonement for his misconduct. The order took effect February 4, 2012 Kevin P. Kelley, State Bar #140462, Santa Ana (January 10, 2012).
Kelley, 54, was suspended for six months and placed on three years of probation for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, charging and collecting illegal fees, and commingling funds.
In 2009 several clients in Minnesota, Florida, Connecticut, and Washington retained Kelley and paid him thousands of dollars to negotiate home loan modifications. Kelley was not licensed to practice law in those states. When clients asked for refunds, he made only partial payments. From March 2010 through July 2011 he failed to promptly withdraw unearned fees from the client trust account. In addition, he issued checks drawn on the client trust account to pay for personal obligations.
In aggravation, Kelley had a record of prior discipline. In mitigation, his commingling of funds did not harm his clients, and he has agreed to return unearned fees. The order took effect February 9, 2012 Lawrence G. Lewis, Jr., State Bar #214652, Long Beach (January 24, 2012).
Lewis, 42, was suspended for 60 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to maintain client funds in trust, failing to respond to reasonable client inquiries, failing to obey a court order, improperly withdrawing from representation, failing to return a client file, failing to return unearned fees, and engaging in acts of moral turpitude.
In aggravation, Lewis’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing in four client matters that involved client trust funds. In mitigation, during the period of misconduct Lewis experienced extreme emotional difficulties. He cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Walter S. Martinez, State Bar #153163, Rancho Cucamonga (January 24, 2012).
Martinez, 58, was suspended for five months and ordered to make restitution for aiding the unlawful practice of law, failing to deposit settlement funds into a client trust account, failing to competently perform legal services, and failing to supervise nonattorney employees in his office.
In mitigation, Martinez had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the bar in 1991, and he cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. Also, he demonstrated remorse and recognition of his wrongdoing. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Mark P. McCredie, State Bar #189962, Oxnard (January 30, 2012).
McCredie, 53, was suspended for nine months and placed on three years of probation for failing to comply with conditions to a previous order of discipline.
In September 2008 McCredie had his probation revoked and was suspended for six months. He failed to comply with requirements that he timely file quarterly reports and timely authorize disclosure of his drug and alcohol treatment.
In aggravation, McCredie had a record of prior discipline. In mitigation, he cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Matthew D. Mellen, State Bar #233350, San Mateo (January 30, 2012).
Mellen, 46, was suspended for 60 days and placed on one year of probation for violating Vehicle Code § 23152(a), driving under the influence of alcohol, and § 16028(C), failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, both misdemeanors. The order took effect February 29, 2012 John D. Munoz, State Bar #176815, Whittier (January 30, 2012).
Munoz, 44, was suspended for 120 days and placed on two years of probation for violating Penal Code § 148(a), resisting or delaying a police officer, a misdemeanor involving an act of moral turpitude.
In aggravation, Munoz’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Munoz had no record of prior discipline before being admitted to the bar in 1995. His misconduct stemmed from extreme difficulties in his personal life, and he displayed remorse. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Michael J. O’Brien, State Bar #147414, Upland (December 28, 2011).
). O’Brien, 49, was suspended for six months and placed on two years of probation for making false statements of fact or law, and for failing to comply with a court order.
In 1999 O’Brien became involved in a lengthy dissolution proceeding with his former spouse. In 2004 the trial court ordered O’Brien to pay child support and attorneys fees, which he refused to do. The court then ordered him to pay sanctions. He responded by filing several appeals, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction. The appeals caused his former spouse to incur additional attorneys fees in litigating the matter. Further, while representing himself he asserted positions and took actions that he knew or should have known were without probable cause or were intended to harass or maliciously injure his former spouse. In 2007 the court found him to be a vexatious litigant. In aggravation, O’Brien’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing that caused harm to his former spouse and the administration of justice. He displayed no remorse for his misconduct and lacked candor during the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. In mitigation, O’Brien had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1990. The order took effect January 27, 2012 Paul F. Opel, State Bar #101874, Encino (December 28, 2011).
Opel, 56, was suspended for two years and placed on four years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to respond promptly to reasonable status inquiries, aiding in the unlawful practice of law, sharing a legal fee with a nonlawyer, and failing to promptly refund an unearned fee.
In aggravation, Opel had a record of prior discipline. His misconduct involved three separate client matters. In mitigation, Opel cooperated with the State Bar and entered into a stipulation. The order took effect January 27, 2012 Michelle A. Perfili, State Bar #107580, Lakeside (January 24, 2012).
Perfili, 54, was suspended for 30 days and placed on two years of probation for failing to obey state laws, charging and collecting an illegal fee, and acquiring a pecuniary interest adverse to a client. In mitigation, Perfili cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation, and she stipulated to three acts of misconduct in two matters. The order took effect February 23, 2012 Theodore A. Pinnock, State Bar #153434, Carmona, Cavite, (December 28, 2011).
Pinnock, 49, was suspended for 90 days and placed on three years of probation for seeking to mislead a judicial officer and engaging in an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Pinnock’s misconduct caused significant harm to his client. In mitigation, Pinnock had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1991, and during the time of his misconduct he experienced extreme physical difficulties. Also, he demonstrated remorse for his conduct and cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect January 27, 2012 Jeremy N. Roark, State Bar #259079, Riverside (January 30, 2012).
Roark, 29, was suspended for six months and placed on two years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to represent an organization, and failing to promptly respond to reasonable status inquiries.
In 2009 a loan modification firm hired Roark as house counsel. Although Roark’s nominal function was to advise the firm’s owners, he was employed so they would be able to collect advance fees from their clients. By October of that year Roark had reviewed loans he determined were not going to be modified. He discovered that the firm was not honoring its fee-refund policy or paying its negotiators. He sought legal counsel and terminated his employment. He also filed a criminal complaint against the owners of the firm.
Prior to terminating his employment, Roark was able to obtain $13,078 from the general account of the firm. He placed those funds into a trust to provide client refunds. Nineteen complaints were made to the State Bar in connection to Roark’s employment with the firm. In aggravation, Roark’s misconduct involved multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, Roark self-reported misconduct to the State Bar before any clients filed complaints against him, and he entered into a stipulation. The order took effect February 29, 2012 Ellen E. Sroog Rodin, State Bar #92305, Oakland (December 12, 2011).
Rodin, 68, was suspended for one year and placed on three years of probation for failing to maintain funds in trust, charging and collecting an illegal fee, commingling funds, and engaging in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption.
In aggravation, Rodin’s misconduct caused significant harm to her client. In mitigation, Rodin had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1980. During the period of misconduct she experienced extreme personal difficulties. Also, she cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect January 11, 2012 Ivan B. Schwartz, State Bar #153264, San Diego (January 5, 2012).
Schwartz, 51, was suspended for six months and placed on three years of probation for failing to maintain client funds in trust, misappropriating funds, failing to pay client funds, and commingling funds.
In aggravation, Schwartz had a record of prior discipline. The order took effect February 4, 2012.
Andrew MACLaren Stewart, State Bar # 204170, San Diego (Dec. 12). Stewart, 39, was suspended for 60 days and placed on two years of probation for entering into a business transaction with a client and knowingly acquiring a pecuniary interest adverse to the client without obtaining the client’s informed consent, providing inaccurate accountings, and failing to maintain client funds in trust. In aggravation, Stewart engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing that demonstrated a pattern of misconduct. In mitigation, he had no record of prior discipline since being admitted to the State Bar in 1999. No clients were harmed by his misconduct. Further, Stewart expressed remorse for his wrongdoing, voluntarily attended accounting classes, and paid restitution. The order took effect January 11, 2012 Danny R. Taylor, State Bar #91924, Palm Desert (January 10, 2012).
Taylor, 62, was suspended for two years and placed on three years of probation for failing to comply with conditions to a previous order of discipline.
In aggravation, Taylor had a record of prior discipline. In mitigation, his misconduct did not significantly harm clients, and during the period of his misconduct he experienced physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. In addition, he cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. The order took effect February 9, 2012. Jenny Wong, State Bar # 248111, Manteca (Jan. 10). Wong, 31, was suspended for 90 days and placed on three years of probation for sharing legal fees with a nonattorney, charging and accepting advance fees in connection with loan modification services in violation of the law, and failing to competently perform legal services.
In April 2009 Wong entered into an agreement with a financial counseling firm to provide legal services in connection with home loan modifications. Under the agreement, the financial counseling firm would provide Wong with clients in exchange for half the monthly rent for shared office space.
From August to December 2009 several clients retained Wong for help in modifying their home loans. Wong’s staff informed the clients that the advance fees would be refunded in full if no loan modification could be obtained. Wong failed to fully perform services for the clients, and she failed to provide refunds. The order took effect February 9, 2012 Corecia J. Woo, State Bar #214544, Auburn (December 28, 2011).
Woo, 42, was suspended for five years and placed on five years of probation for failing to competently perform legal services, failing to keep clients reasonably informed of significant developments, failing to respond to reasonable status inquiries, failing to inform clients of her suspension from practice, improperly withdrawing from representation, failing to provide proper accounting, failing to refund unearned fees, and failing to comply with rule 9.20 of Rules of Court. In aggravation, Woo had a record of prior discipline. In mitigation, Woo cooperated with the State Bar’s investigation and proceedings. Also, she exhibited remorse and attempted to resign from the State Bar. The California Supreme Court rejected her resignation. The order took effect January 27, 2012 There are no recent disciplinary actions of this type.