Arizona Attorney S. Alan Cook Reprimanded, Placed on Probation for Unprofessional Conduct

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona reprimanded attorney S. Alan Cook for violations of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. The decision follows an Agreement for Discipline by Consent, which outlined Cook’s misconduct and was accepted by the court.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of S. Alan Cook,” with case no. PDJ 2025-9023.

The reprimand stems from allegations detailed in a formal complaint filed by the State Bar of Arizona on April 15, 2025. The complaint referenced multiple violations, including unprofessional conduct in civil and family court cases. Specifically, Cook was found to have engaged in threatening communications and maintained a sexual relationship with a client while representing the client, failing to withdraw from the case after the relationship began.

As part of the ruling, Cook has been placed on probation for two years. The terms of his probation include mandatory participation in the State Bar’s Member Assistance Program. Cook is required to contact the Compliance Monitor within ten days of the order to arrange an assessment, which may lead to further terms based on the assessment’s findings. He is also obligated to complete several Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs within 90 days, including courses on professionalism and conflict of interest.

In addition to the probationary measures, Cook has been ordered to pay $1,367 to cover the costs and expenses incurred by the State Bar in this matter. He must fulfill this financial obligation within 30 days.

The court emphasized that Cook’s violations were deemed negligent, resulting in actual harm to clients and undermining the integrity of the legal profession. Aggravating factors included Cook’s prior disciplinary history and a pattern of misconduct, while mitigating circumstances considered included a physical or mental disability.

The ruling concluded that the measures imposed were appropriate given the nature of the misconduct and aimed to protect the public from future violations. A separate final judgment and order were filed on the same date, formalizing the court’s decision.

According to Avvo.com, Mr. Cook is a family attorney in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona College of Law. He acquired his law license in Arizona in 1978. 

A copy of the original filing can be found here.