Opinion ID: 2688436
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: , a lawyer may represent a client if:

Text: (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 - 29 - 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 - 30 - 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. 12 Contrary 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). - 31 - 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 - 32 - 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. - 33 - 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 - 34 - 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 - 35 - [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 13 Although 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. - 36 - 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] - 37 - 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). - 38 -