Opinion ID: 1350479
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Willard Matter

Text: Respondent represented Kenneth Willard's ex-wife in several domestic matters since 1990. In 1992, respondent and another attorney agreed to an office-sharing arrangement. The other attorney had previously represented Kenneth Willard, but withdrew from her representation when she began sharing office space with respondent. Kenneth Willard subsequently appeared at a hearing without counsel because his attorney had withdrawn. However, respondent appeared on behalf of Mrs. Willard. Respondent denies that he agreed to cease his representation of Mrs. Willard, and states that his agreement with the other attorney was that they should not both keep representing the Willards. He further asserts that he consulted with the judge prior to the hearing as to a potential conflict and that the judge did not perceive one. However, respondent admits he failed to avoid the appearance of impropriety by documenting in writing what his arrangements were regarding former clients, and/or by terminating his representation of Mrs. Willard.