Disciplinary Notices, 0520 ALBJ, 81 The Alabama Lawyer 242 (2020)
| Position | Vol. 81 3 Pg. 242 |
Disbarments
Suspensions
Public Reprimands
Disbarments
• Birmingham attorney Zebulon Peyton Little was disbarred from the practice of law in Alabama by order of the Supreme Court of Alabama, effective August 23, 2017. The Alabama Supreme Court entered its order based on the Disciplinary Board's order accepting Little's consent to disbarment, in which Little admitted to various violations of the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct, to include his failure to properly handle and account for client funds. Additionally, Little pled guilty to two counts of theft of property in the first degree in the Circuit Court of Cullman County. [Rule 23(a), Pet. No. 2019-1291; ASB Nos. 2017-1001, 2017-1119, and 2018-379]
• Sylvania attorney Teresa Darwin Phillips was disbarred from the practice of law in Alabama by order of the Supreme Court of Alabama, effective December 12, 2019. The Alabama Supreme Court entered its order based on the Disciplinary Board's order accepting Phillips's consent to disbarment. [Rule 23(a), Pet. No. 2019-1495; ASB No. 2018-610]
• Scottsboro attorney Frank Brian Rice was disbarred from the practice of law in Alabama, effective October 23,2019. The Alabama Supreme Court entered its order based on the Disciplinary Board's order, wherein Rice was found guilty of violating Rules 3.4 [Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel] and 8.4(d) and (g) [Misconduct], Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. In a separate disciplinary proceeding, on July 24,2017, the Disciplinary Commission ordered Rice to receive a public reprimand with general publication. In addition, as part of his discipline, Rice was ordered to "participate and complete the Practice Management Assistance Program six (6) months from the date of the Commission's Order." Rice failed to do so. Rice was also taxed all costs of the disciplinary proceedings and assessed an administrative fee of $750. Rice was allowed to make a payment plan in order to satisfy the costs and fees. However, Rice subsequently failed to submit payment. [ASB No. 2019-492]
• Scottsboro attorney Frank Brian Rice was disbarred from the practice of law Alabama, effective October 23,2019. The Alabama Supreme Court entered its order based on the Disciplinary Board's order, wherein Rice was found guilty of violating Rules 1.3 [Diligence]; 1.4 [Communication]; 1.15(a), (b), (e), and (n) [Safekeeping Property]; 8.1 (a) and (b) [Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters]; and 8.4(d) and (g) [Misconduct], Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. Rice was hired by a client to draft and file an uncontested divorce on her behalf. The client paid $400 to Rice as his legal fee in the matter. On September 14,2018, the client and her husband signed all of the paperwork and paid Rice $225 for the filing fee. Rice informed the client he would file the paperwork on September 17, 2018. Rice failed to do so. The client attempted to communicate with Rice as to why the...
To continue reading
Request your trial