On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona issued an order disbarring attorney Ruth Ann Ambs from practicing law in the state. This decision follows a series of sanctions imposed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, where Ambs was barred from practicing law.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Ruth Ann Ambs,” with case no. PDJ 2024-9111.
The court’s order, dated September 26, 2024, outlined multiple infractions committed by Ambs, including failing to properly disclose compensation and fee-sharing agreements, making false statements, and not providing accurate explanations of fees to clients. Additionally, Ambs neglected to comply with a court order to submit necessary documentation and appeared late for a hearing regarding her alleged misconduct.
The Bankruptcy Court documented a consistent pattern of violations by Ambs over a year, stating that she had engaged in practices that put consumer debtors at risk. Furthermore, the court noted that Ambs had initially misled the court and subsequently failed to engage meaningfully in the proceedings.
Following these findings, the State Bar of Arizona began its own investigation. Ambs did not respond to requests for information and ignored a subpoena, which led to an Order to Show Cause proceedings that she also failed to attend. An order of summary suspension was issued thereafter.
The violations identified by the Bankruptcy Court were deemed serious enough to warrant disbarment in Arizona, according to the American Bar Association’s Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions. The findings indicated that Ambs had breached several of Arizona’s Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules related to diligence, communication, fees, and honesty.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge found no mitigating factors in Ambs’ case, while several aggravating factors were evident. These included dishonest motives, a pattern of misconduct, and a refusal to acknowledge the wrongful nature of her actions.
As part of the disbarment order, Ambs is required to notify her clients and fulfill all obligations related to her disbarment, including filing necessary affidavits. Additionally, she must pay the State Bar of Arizona $1,200 in costs within 30 days.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS ORDERED that RUTH ANN AMBS, Bar No. 036960, is disbarred from the practice of law in Arizona, effective immediately. Her name is stricken from the roll of lawyers in Arizona, and she is no longer entitled to the rights and privileges of a lawyer, though she remains subject to the jurisdiction of the Arizona Supreme Court.”
According to avvo.com, Ms. Ambs was an attorney in Phoenix, Arizona. She acquired her law license in Arizona in 2005.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
