The Missouri Supreme Court disbarred Joplin attorney Kathleen Wolf Miller today.
The order was issued today after Miller failed to respond to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel's recommendation of disbarment.
According to documents filed January 16 with the Missouri Supreme Court, Miller did not respond to the following accusations against her, although she was offered numerous opportunities to do so.a. abandoning her clients with little to no communication
b. depositing personal funds into her client trust account
c. failing to maintain the required financial records
d. refusing to provide a client with his file
e. having support staff make false representations to a client
f. refusing to respond to multiple requests to provide Informant with information
g. making a false representation to her client
h. abandoning her clients in a way that prejudiced the administration of justice
The document outlined how Miller allegedly harmed her clients:
Respondent abandoned clients Alexander S. and Whitney F. Respondent caused Alexander S. and Whitney F. injury in that both clients had to undertake the expense of hiring new counsel.
Respondent abandoned client Michelle B. in a child support modification hearing. Michelle B. had to proceed without an attorney and an award increasing Michelle B’s child support obligation was entered.
Respondent knowingly failed to perform services for Connor A., George C., and Terrino P. causing harm to each client’s case.
In the cases of Alexander S., Whitney F., Connor A., George C., Terrino P., and Michelle B., Respondent engaged in a pattern of client neglect that qualifies as client abandonment or near abandonment in such a way that all of their cases were injured in ways unique to each case.
Respondent abandoned client Michelle B. in a child support modification hearing. Michelle B. had to proceed without an attorney and an award increasing Michelle B’s child support obligation was entered.
Respondent knowingly failed to perform services for Connor A., George C., and Terrino P. causing harm to each client’s case.
In the cases of Alexander S., Whitney F., Connor A., George C., Terrino P., and Michelle B., Respondent engaged in a pattern of client neglect that qualifies as client abandonment or near abandonment in such a way that all of their cases were injured in ways unique to each case.
Did she not at one time work in the PA office in Newton County?
ReplyDeleteShe did until the new prosecutor fired her
DeleteYes
Delete@ 7:12- Apparently you could be correct.
ReplyDelete"Her arrest was featured on the Inside Joplin blog earlier this month, but it took KOAM News to realize what I didn't- Kathleen Miller, 46, who was cited by the Highway Patrol for driving while intoxicated December 17, is the assistant prosecuting attorney for Newton County.
KOAM posted the following on Thursday:
According to MHP the Jasper County Prosecutor has the case. No charges have been filed against the assistant prosecutor according court records. Due to the Holidays offices to both Newton and Jasper County prosecutors are closed."
https://rturner229.blogspot.com/2015/12/newton-county-prosecutor-arrested-for.html
We do not disbar enough lawyers, but it's nice to know that there are *some* standards that are enforced, even in Missouri.
ReplyDeleteDid I miss how long she will be disbarred? And if allowed to return, what things will she be required to do to the Court of her return? Is she going to face the crimes she committed? Looks to me like there are like there could be at least one felony's and perhaps several more. If convicted of a felony, she will be done practicing. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
ReplyDeleteWho tf are you talking to
Delete