In a June 2, 2023 court filing, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona announced the suspension of attorney Walid A. Zarifi. The case is entitled “In the Matter of Walid A. Zarifi,” with case no. PDJ 2023-9001.

The charges cited Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1. 16 (d), 8.4 (d) 1.5, 3.2, 8.4(c)(d), 1.7, 8.4(a), 1.8(a)(e), 1.16(d), 3.3(a)(1), 3.4(b)(c), 4.1, 4.4(a), 54(c).

The Arizona State Bar filed a disciplinary case against attorney Walid A. Zarifi alleging violations of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct in five client matters. The cases were consolidated and resolved through an Agreement for Discipline by Consent between the State Bar and Mr. Zarifi, who represented himself.

The agreement details misconduct in the following client matters:

  • Fischer (SB21-1677): Zarifi failed to act diligently, communicate with the client, take steps to protect the client’s interests when the representation ended, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
  • Scamardo (SB21-2305): Zarifi failed to act diligently, communicate with the client, charged an unreasonable fee, take steps to protect the client’s interests when the representation ended, expedite litigation, engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
  • Olsen (SB22-2623 and SB23-0148): Zarifi failed to act diligently, communicate with the client, properly handle a conflict of interest, comply with duties when representation ended, follow court rules and orders, used means with no purpose other than to delay or burden others, engaged in conduct involving dishonesty and misrepresentation, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
  • Hake (SB23-0422): Zarifi failed to act diligently, communicate with the client, take steps to protect the client’s interests when representation ended, asserted meritless issues, expedite litigation, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

The parties agreed that Zarifi would be suspended for 6 months and 1 day, followed by 2 years of probation if reinstated. The probation terms include an office practice assessment, compliance monitoring, additional CLE requirements, and no further ethical violations.

The Presiding Disciplinary Judge accepted the agreement in a Final Judgment and Order on May 31, 2023.

The order states:

“IT IS ORDERED that Walid A. Zarifi, Bar No. 024079, is suspended for six months and one day, effective 60 days from May 31, 2023, for his conduct in violation of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, as outlined in the consent documents.”

Mr. Zarifi practices in Phoenix, Arizona. He is licensed in Arizona. His info can be found on lawyerjustia.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.