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Andrea M. Kester (WSBA No. 23386, admitted 1993), of Seattle, was suspended for two years, effective February 23, 2005, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following a stipulation approved by the Disciplinary Board. This discipline was based on her conduct between 1999 and 2004 involving the practice of law while suspended for MCLE noncompliance.
Ms. Kester was admitted to practice law in Washington state in 1993, and commenced work for her family’s business in 1996. In February 1999, Ms. Kester was suspended from the practice of law for non-compliance in reporting of mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) requirements. Following her suspension, Ms. Kester continued to work as a lawyer for her family’s business. Between February 1999 and January 2004, on behalf of various business entities, Ms. Kester signed and submitted papers, motions, and pleadings as “Attorney,” “Counsel,” and “General Counsel” in a number of administrative and judicial matters.
Ms. Kester’s conduct violated RPC 1.15(d), which requires a lawyer to terminate representation if it will result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct; RPC 5.5(a), which prohibits a lawyer from practicing law in a jurisdiction where doing so violates the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction; RPC 5.5(e) and former RLD 1.1(l), which prohibit a lawyer from engaging in the practice of law while suspended from the practice of law; and ELC 14.2 and former RLD 8.2, which require that a suspended lawyer discontinue the practice of law after the effective date of the suspension.
Sachia Stonefeld Powell represented the Bar Association. Patrick C. Sheldon represented Ms. Kester. |