In re Taylor
In re Taylor
Opinion of the Court
These disciplinary matters are before the Court on Notices of Discipline seeking the disbarment of Stephen B. Taylor (State Bar No. 701200). The State Bar attempted to serve Taylor personally at the address listed with the State Bar, but the sheriff filed a return of service non est inventus. The State Bar then properly served Taylor by publication, pursuant to Bar Rule 4-203.1 (b) (3) (ii), but Taylor failed to file a Notice of Rejection. Therefore, he is in default, has waived his rights to an evidentiary hearing, and is subject to such discipline and further proceedings as may be determined by this Court. See Bar Rule 4-208.1 (b).
The facts, as deemed admitted by virtue of Taylor’s default, show that, with regard to Case No. S15Y1766, Taylor agreed to represent a client in a criminal sentencing matter and was paid $750 by the client’s family to do so. After a single initial visit with the client, Taylor failed to do any work on the client’s behalf, abandoned the matter, and failed to communicate with the client or the client’s family. Similarly, in Case No. S15Y1767, Taylor agreed to represent a client in a criminal matter and was paid $2,650 by the client’s family to do so. Taylor failed to do any work on the matter, abandoned the matter, failed to communicate with the client or the client’s family, and failed to return the fee that he was paid. As to each matter, Taylor was served by publication with a Notice of Investigation, but he failed to file a timely sworn, written response, as required by Bar Rule 4-204.3.
Based on these facts, the Investigative Panel found probable cause to believe that, in Case No. S15Y1766, Taylor violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, and 9.3, all of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct
Having reviewed the record, we conclude that disbarment is the appropriate sanction in this matter. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of Stephen B. Taylor be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Taylor is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Disbarred. All the
Reference
- Full Case Name
- IN THE MATTER OF STEPHEN B. TAYLOR (two cases)
- Status
- Published