On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kentucky permanently disbarred attorney Dale Anthony Brinker from practicing law in the state. Brinker faced disciplinary action following multiple criminal convictions and violations of professional conduct rules.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Dale Anthony Brinker,” with case no. 2025-SC-0105-KB.
In May 2022, Brinker pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by unlawful taking, involving amounts between $10,000 and $1,000,000, related to misappropriating funds from two estates in Campbell County where he served as executor and trustee. In a separate case, he admitted guilt to two counts of theft by unlawful taking in the same value range and one count involving $500 to $10,000, stemming from misconduct in a Kenton County estate. For these charges, he received a 10-year suspended sentence for the felony counts and a five-year suspended sentence for the misdemeanor, to be served consecutively.
The Kentucky Bar Association’s Inquiry Commission issued a complaint in May 2023, which Brinker failed to answer, leading to charges in October 2023 for committing a criminal act reflecting adversely on his honesty and trustworthiness, and for not responding to a disciplinary authority’s lawful demand. Despite attempts to serve the charges at multiple addresses and through local sheriffs, Brinker did not respond, and the case proceeded to the Board of Governors by default.
The Board unanimously found Brinker guilty of both charges and recommended permanent disbarment, citing his extensive disciplinary history. Since 1991, Brinker faced sanctions, including a private admonition for imputed disqualification, suspensions for continuing legal education noncompliance, and further penalties for practicing law while suspended and misrepresenting his license status. Aggravating factors included his prior offenses, dishonest motives, multiple violations, and obstruction of disciplinary proceedings.
The Supreme Court adopted the Board’s recommendation, ordering Brinker to notify clients and courts of his disbarment within 20 days and to cease all advertising activities. He was also directed to pay $354.64 in certified costs associated with the proceedings. The ruling, supported by all justices, aligns with precedents where attorneys faced disbarment for serious criminal conduct involving theft or fraud.
The Disposition states:
“Dale Anthony Brinker is adjudged guilty of violating one count of SCR 3.130(8.4)(b ) and one count of SCR 3.130(8.1)(b); Brinker, KBA Member Number 07614, is hereby permanently disbarred from the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
According to the filing, Mr. Brinker acquired his law license in Kentucky in 1982.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
