Discipline Notice - Richard D. Wall

License Number: 16581
Member Name: Richard D. Wall
Discipline Detail
Action: Censure
Effective Date: 1/12/2000
RPC: 5.5 - Unauthorized Practice of Law
Discipline Notice:
Description: Richard D. Wall (WSBA No. 16581, admitted 1986), of Spokane, has been ordered to receive a censure pursuant to a stipulation approved by the Disciplinary Board on January 12, 2000. This discipline is based on Mr. Wall’s practicing law while on inactive status.
On July 15, 1996, the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office hired Mr. Wall as a deputy prosecuting attorney. During the first or second week of July, Mr. Wall contacted the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) requesting a change in his status from inactive to active because of his position with the Spokane Prosecutor’s Office. The WSBA received Mr. Wall’s status change application and check on July 25, 1996. The next day, the WSBA wrote Mr. Wall that his status could not be changed until he completed the required continuing legal education (CLE) credits. Mr. Wall did not inform his employer that he was on inactive status. He began handling criminal prosecutions after the first week of August.
During the month of August, Mr. Wall and the WSBA discussed his CLE credits and inactive status by letter and telephone. In late August, Mr. Wall asked that the MCLE Board waive his deficient CLE credits. Through an error, this matter was not placed on the September 1996 MCLE Board agenda. In December 1996, Mr. Wall received his annual licensing form from the WSBA, showing that his status was still inactive. In January 1997, Mr. Wall contacted the WSBA licensing department again, asking why he remained on inactive status. On January 14, 1997, Mr. Wall informed his supervisor that he was on inactive status and could not continue to practice until his CLE credits were completed and his status could be changed. Mr. Wall completed the required CLE credits and was returned to active status on February 3, 1997.
Mr. Wall’s conduct violated RLD 1.1(l), which subjects a lawyer to discipline for engaging in the practice of law while on inactive status; and RPC 5.5(a), which prohibits a lawyer from practicing law in a jurisdiction where doing so violates the regulations of the profession.
Jonathan Burke represented the Bar Association. Mr. Wall represented himself.


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