Angry Clients Picket Spokane Lawyer
The bar's disciplinary intent is also questioned
opinion by Communities Against Unethical Attorneys, from press release
Complaining former clients of Spokane Attorney Jerry Kagele conducted
a march and informational picketing on South Hill in Spokane on August
27. The former clients are asking Kagele to take the honorable action
of stepping down from his law practice. Since at least 1989 the
Washington State Bar Association has received documented complaints
regarding attorney Jerry Kagele regarding the taking of legal fees
without rendering service. After years of accumulated grievances and
several hearings, the bar has recommended his suspension and
restitution to many of his clients (WSBA File 00#00033). Since the
bar's ruling, new complainants have come forward.
Sachia Stonefeld-Powell of the bar's Disciplinary Counsel said at a
disciplinary hearing, January 11, 2002: "Mr. Kagele's conduct violated
the prohibition against unreasonable fees as well as violations of the
duties of competence, diligence, communication, and the duty to
expedite litigation, and the duty to abide by the client's
directive.... RPC 1.15 indicates that upon termination, the lawyer
must take steps to protect the client's interest including
surrendering any client property and returning any unearned fees....
Mr. Kagele did not live up to his own agreement. He took the money and
left nine [separate] clients hanging."
Despite the bar's recommendation, Kagele is still practicing law
unmonitored and ungoverned. The complaining former clients of Jerry
Kagele express longstanding frustration because of Kagele's historic
behavior and the bar's nonchalant attitude toward discipline.
Complaints sent to the bar are kept secret unless they are called to a
hearing. Many complaints however, are ignored or delayed, or never
called to a hearing.
The picketing event was a response to the bar's relaxed attitudes
regarding lawyer discipline. It has shown the concern of victims and
citizens who want justice.
When using a lawyer, clients are cautioned to be wary of payment
contracts which stipulate that total fees are "fully earned" upon a
lawyer's commencing work on a case.
Additional information at Communities Against Unethical Attorneys, PO
Box 30621, Spokane, WA 99223, tel 509-939-6368.
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