Disbarred Lawyer Fights Back

We always read those scary stories about lawyers getting suspended or disbarred.  Did you ever wonder what happens to them?  This article, Lawyer Fights Back from Disbarment, NYT (10/30/2005) reports on former solo David Dean who 15 years ago was earning seven figure income as a successful plaintiffs’ attorney.  But when Dean got tied up in a protracted case, he started borrowing money from client escrow funds to make ends meet (of course, his drinking problem didn’t help his judgment either) which lead to his disbarment.  During the years that he lost his license, Dean relied on his acting skills to make a living and in 1997, he regained his license and resumed his winning ways.

So the next time your practice gets you down – either a bad month financially or a pain in the neck client who won’t pay his bill – think of what Dean went through.  If he could make it, so can you.

4 Comments

  1. Lawrence B. Ebert on October 30, 2005 at 9:24 am

    Interesting post.
    In R.M. v. Supreme Court of New Jersey, one saw how few disciplinary complaints against attorneys are acted on. See also discussion at IPBiz.blogspot.
    Contemplate also “The Dean Olds Story,” wherein a different “Dean” didn’t fare as well as David Dean.
    [My first post seems to have vanished.]



  2. Lawrence B. Ebert on October 30, 2005 at 9:24 am

    Interesting post.
    In R.M. v. Supreme Court of New Jersey, one saw how few disciplinary complaints against attorneys are acted on. See also discussion at IPBiz.blogspot.
    Contemplate also “The Dean Olds Story,” wherein a different “Dean” didn’t fare as well as David Dean.
    [My first post seems to have vanished.]



  3. Alice on May 16, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    I really need help. I was suspended for 2 years over 2 years ago. I cannot even come up to the money to live let alone talk to an attorney. Does anyone have any suggestions?
    Thanks a lot.
    Alice



  4. Alice on May 16, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    I really need help. I was suspended for 2 years over 2 years ago. I cannot even come up to the money to live let alone talk to an attorney. Does anyone have any suggestions?
    Thanks a lot.
    Alice



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