Discipline Notice - Matthew S. Furness

License Number: 43649
Member Name: Matthew S. Furness
Discipline Detail
Action: Suspension
Effective Date: 12/27/2021
RPC: 1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
Discipline Notice: Order Approving Stipulation
Stipulation
Washington Supreme Court Order
Description: Matthew S. Furness (WSBA No. 43649, admitted 2011) of Houston, TX, was suspended for 12 months, effective 12/27/2021, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Furness’ conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication).
In relation to his handling of two client’s immigration matters, Furness stipulated to suspension for: 1) failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing client A and by willfully abandoning and willfully disregarding a legal matter entrusted to him; 2) failing to keep client A reasonably informed about the status of the case, failing to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit client A to make informed decisions regarding the representation, and failing to maintain communication with client A; 3) neglecting client B’s legal matter and by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing client B; and 4) failing to keep client B reasonably informed about the status of the case, by failing to promptly comply with client B and client B’s fiancé’s reasonable requests for information, by failing to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit client B to make informed decisions regarding the representation, and by failing to maintain communication with client B.
Francesca D’Angelo and Amanda Lee acted as disciplinary counsel. Matthew S. Furness represented himself. David Bruce Condon was the hearing officer. Carl Joseph Oreskovich was the settlement hearing officer. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Disciplinary Board Order Approving Stipulation; Stipulation to 12 Month Suspension; and Washington Supreme Court Order.


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