| Description: |
Paul Corbett Hanes (WSBA No. 50127, admitted 2015) of Pullman, WA, was suspended for 30 months, effective 5/20/2026, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Francisco Rodriguez acted as disciplinary counsel. Nicholas Christopher Larson represented Respondent.
The lawyer’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.3 (Diligence), 1.4 (Communication), 8.1 (Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters), 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice) and 8.4(l) (ELC violation).
Hanes stipulated to suspension for: 1) failing to act with reasonable diligence in representing the owners of Cougar Ridge Apartments, including by failing to file a notice of appearance, failing to timely answer the complaint, failing to seek leave of the court to respond to the motion for default, failing to move to set aside the default, and failing to respond to inquiries from opposing counsel about settlement, 2) failing to keep Respondent’s clients reasonably informed about the status of their matter and failing to respond to their reasonable requests for information about the case, 3) making false and misleading statements to clients and opposing counsel, 4) making false statements to ODC.
Decision documents: Disciplinary Board Order Approving Stipulation; Stipulation to Suspension; and Washington Supreme Court Order.
|