Discipline Notice - James A. Heard

License Number: 12272
Member Name: James A. Heard
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 8/26/1997
RPC: 1.3 - Diligence
1.4 - Communication
Discipline Notice:
Description: James A. Heard (WSBA No. 12272, admitted 1974), of Aberdeen, has been ordered reprimanded by order of the Disciplinary Board dated August 26, 1997. The discipline is based upon his neglect of a client matter and failure to communicate with the client.
Although not admitted to the U.S. Claims Court Bar, Heard continued to represent a client in a matter that was transferred to the Claims Court. His failure to be admitted and to otherwise prosecute the case resulted in dismissal of the client’s case, which acted as an adjudication on the merits. Heard did not advise the client of the dismissal.
Mr. Heard’s actions violated Rule 1.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), requiring diligent representation and RPC 1.4, requiring that a lawyer keep a client advised of the status of a matter.
The hearing officer was Merrifield Rees. Mr. Heard represented himself. The Bar Association was represented by Disciplinary Counsel Maureen Devlin.


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