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Michele J. Levine (WSBA No. 8261, admitted 1978), of Seattle, was suspended for six months, effective April 10, 2003, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following a stipulation. This discipline was based on her conduct in 2000 in a real estate matter. Ms. Levine did not admit this conduct, but stipulated that the Association could prove these facts.
In December 1999 Ms. Levine married Mr. S. In February 2000, Mr. S. left the marriage and returned to Canada. In August 2000, Ms. Levine entered into a purchase and sale agreement for her house, which was her separate property. The title company told Ms. Levine that Mr. S had to sign a quit claim deed before the sale could close. In September 2000, Ms. Levine signed Mr. S’s name on the quitclaim deed without his permission and then notarized his signature.
Ms. Levine’s conduct violated RPCs 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty (RCW 9A.60.020 [forgery], and 9A.60.050 [false certification]); and 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
Sachia Stonefeld Powell represented the Bar Association. David Allen represented Ms. Levine.
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