District of Columbia: Lawyer Violates Rules of Professional Conduct

In re Stillwell, 980 A.2d 430 (D.C.2009), the District of Columbia Court suspended Garland H. Stillwell for sixty days, with no requirement of indicating the ability to practice law prior to reinstatement, after multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Stillwell admits to violating the District of Columbia Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rules 8.4 (c) and 1.7 (b)(1). The acts of violating these specified rules included inaccurate representation of status at a law firm, false representation, improper charges of personal expenses upon others, working outside the law firm where he was employed and of which the company prohibited, and he took a position on behalf of clients that was unfavorable to a position taken by a client of his firm without consent of all of the parties.
The Hearing Committee Number Eleven of the Board on Professional Responsibility received the facts in the petition, in addition to Stillwell’s own affidavit, and admittance that he did in fact violate the Rules 8.4 (c) and 1.7 (b)(1). Stillwell also made a point to state that he was not coerced into the agreement with the Bar Counsel. He acknowledged that he would have to comply with the requirements put in place by the D.C. Bar R. XI, §14, and Board Rule 9.9. The Committee’s decision was for Stillwell to be suspended from practicing law for sixty days, with no additional requirements prior to reinstatement.