FINAL COPY
294 Ga. 722
S14Y0029, S14Y0030, S14Y0031, S14Y0032. IN THE MATTER OF
LEAH ROCHELLE BROWN (four cases).
PER CURIAM.
These disciplinary matters are before the Court on four Notices of
Discipline seeking the disbarment of Leah Rochelle Brown (State Bar No.
088515). The State Bar attempted to serve Brown 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 Brown by publication pursuant to Bar Rule
4-203.1 (b) (3) (ii). Brown failed to file a Notice of Rejection. Therefore, she
is in default, has waived her 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 Brown’s default, show that
Brown, who was admitted to the Bar in 1988, agreed to represent four different
clients in domestic relations cases and was paid attorneys fees. However, in
each case, she failed to adequately communicate with the client and completely
abandoned the client’s matter, to the detriment of the client. Additionally, she
failed to file a sworn, written response to the Notice of Investigation issued in
each matter. See Bar Rule 4-204.3.
The Investigative Panel found that by this conduct Brown violated Rules
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.16, 3.2, and 9.3 of the Georgia Rules of Professional
Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum sanction for a violation
of Rules 1.2 and 1.3 is disbarment; the maximum sanction for a violation of
Rules 1.4, 1.5, 1.16, 3.2, and 9.3 is a public reprimand. In aggravation of
discipline the Investigative Panel considered that these matters show an
extensive pattern of client neglect.
Having reviewed the records, we conclude that disbarment is the
appropriate sanction in these matters. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the
name of Leah Rochelle Brown be removed from the rolls of persons authorized
to practice law in the State of Georgia. Brown is reminded of her duties
pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Disbarred. All the Justices concur.
Decided March 3, 2014.
Disbarment.
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Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, Jenny K. Mittelman,
Assistant General Counsel State Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.
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