Arizona Attorney John Thomas Polk Reinstated to Active Practice After Disciplinary Suspension

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Attorney John Thomas Polk was reinstated to the active practice of law in Arizona by order of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of John Thomas Polk,” with case no. PDJ 2024-9001-R.

The disciplinary matter stemmed from Polk’s representation of Cynthia Van Hook in early 2022 when she hired him to pursue emergency guardianship and conservatorship for her mother. According to an agreement for discipline by consent filed in the case in March 2023, Polk failed to promptly file the necessary guardianship documents with the court, though he provided drafts to Van Hook. He also misrepresented to Van Hook on multiple occasions that the documents had been filed.

When Van Hook discovered in July 2022 that nothing had been submitted to the court, Polk refunded the $1,500 fee she had paid him. However, Van Hook was forced to file the guardianship petition herself after significant delays.

Under the terms of the April 2023 agreement, Polk conditionally admitted to violating several of Arizona’s ethical rules governing competence, diligence, communication with clients, fees, and honesty. He agreed to a 90-day suspension and 18 months of probation, which required him to participate in the State Bar’s Law Office Management Assistance Program and complete six hours of continuing legal education classes.

On January 16, 2024, Presiding Disciplinary Judge Margaret Downie issued an order formally reinstating Polk’s license to practice law. The order notes that Polk had filed an application and affidavit seeking reinstatement as permitted after serving a suspension of 90 days or less. While the State Bar did not object to Polk’s reinstatement, the order specifies that he will remain subject to the probationary terms outlined in the April 2023 disciplinary judgment during the next year.

The Disposition states:

“IT IS ORDERED reinstating John Thomas Polk, Bar No. 029962, to the active practice of law in Arizona, effective immediately. Mr. Polk is subject to the terms of probation set forth in the Final Judgment and Order filed April 7, 2023, in PDJ 2023-9023.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Polk is a tax attorney in Phoenix, Arizona. He acquired his law license in Arizona in 2013. 

A copy of the original filing can be found here.