In re Hill
In re Hill
Opinion of the Court
This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Petition for Voluntary Discipline filed by Respondent Wesley Kent Hill (State Bar No. 211062), in which he seeks to resolve a grievance submitted by two former clients. In his petition, Hill admits that he violated Rules 1.3, 1.4 and 8.4 (a) (4) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, see Bar Rule 4-102 (d). He requests that the Court impose an indefinite suspension of no less than six months on his ability to practice law, with conditions for reinstatement. The State Bar has no objection to Hill’s petition.
In his petition Hill admits that a couple paid him a $3,000 retainer and agreed to pay $300 a month during the course of the proceedings regarding the foreclosure of their home. Hill filed a complaint for injunctive relief to set aside the foreclosure, represented the clients in a dispossessory proceeding and attempted to negotiate a resolution that would allow them to remain in their home. The bank removed the case to federal court and filed a motion to dismiss. Hill concluded that the case would not survive the motion to dismiss, but he did not respond to the motions or tell his clients that the case had been removed; instead, he led them to believe the case was still in state court and that he was taking actions to protect their interests. The family eventually was evicted. Hill also failed to respond to a fee arbitration dispute, and an award was entered in favor of the clients in the amount of $4,700. In the petition Hill states that he has suffered from depression and anxiety since 1991, for which he has been under continual treatment. Although he has been compliant with recommended treatment, his symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are exacerbated with life and work stressors. Hill says that while representing these clients, he went through a difficult time managing his condition,
Having reviewed the record, we conclude that acceptance of Hill’s petition for voluntary discipline is appropriate given his mental health issues. Accordingly, we accept the petition and direct that Wesley Kent Hill be suspended indefinitely from the practice of law in the State of Georgia. We further determine that his reinstatement is subject to the following conditions: (1) Hill shall not seek reinstatement any earlier than six months from the date of this opinion; (2) In connection with any petition for reinstatement, he shall submit a psychological or psychiatric evaluation indicating that he is no longer suffering from an impairment that affects his ability to practice law. Such evaluation will be performed at his expense by a physician acceptable to the State Bar, and Hill will waive any confidentiality or privilege with regard to the evaluation; (3) He shall submit his petition for reinstatement to the Review Panel for issuance of a report and recommendation to this Court; and (4) He shall not undertake the practice of law until this Court issues an opinion granting or denying his petition for reinstatement, see In the Matter of Fair, 292 Ga. 308 (736 SE2d 430) (2013).
Hill is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Petition for voluntary discipline accepted. Indefinite suspension with conditions for reinstatement.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- IN THE MATTER OF WESLEY KENT HILL
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published