On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of Georgia issued a six-month suspension to attorney Charles M. Dalziel, Jr. for violations of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct (GRPC). The court’s decision followed a disciplinary process initiated by a formal complaint from the State Bar of Georgia in March 2023, charging Dalziel with breaches of professional ethics in his representation of a client.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Charles M. Dalziel, Jr.,” with case no. S25Y0775.
The case stemmed from Dalziel’s representation of a financial advisor, referred to as W.G., who hired him to address a demand letter from a law firm representing one of W.G.’s clients. W.G. paid Dalziel a $3,650 retainer for 10 hours of legal work. Dalziel responded to the demand letter in November 2020 and provided additional advice on related matters through January 2021.
In February 2021, Dalziel informed W.G. that he was closing W.G.’s file after the claimant filed no suit against W.G. W.G. repeatedly requested an accounting of the retainer from Dalziel, having asked multiple times in prior months without receiving a response. Dalziel promised to follow up but failed to contact W.G. until four months later, when he finally sent the bill for his services. The invoice showed 17.4 hours of work, claiming W.G. owed an additional $2,701 after applying the retainer.
When W.G. did not pay the additional amount, Dalziel left threatening voicemails, including mentions of an arrest warrant for theft of services and warnings that “heads would roll.” W.G. filed a grievance with the State Bar, prompting Dalziel to respond by disclosing sensitive information about W.G., including details of a prior bankruptcy not related to the representation. The Bar’s investigation revealed that Dalziel learned of the bankruptcy through public records after the grievance was filed.
The Special Master concluded that Dalziel violated GRPC Rule 1.15(I)(c) by failing to promptly account for the retainer and Rule 1.6(a) by improperly disclosing confidential client information. The Special Master also noted Dalziel’s failure to refund any unearned portion of the retainer, though the court found it unclear whether a refund was owed, as the retainer covered at least 10 hours of work. A psychological evaluation presented during the disciplinary hearing indicated Dalziel had a history of alcohol abuse and mental health issues, which were present during his representation of W.G.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling, determined that a six-month suspension was appropriate, citing Dalziel’s lack of prior disciplinary history and personal challenges as mitigating factors. However, his substantial experience as an attorney and his lack of remorse were aggravating factors.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, based on Dalziel’s violation of Rule 1.15 (I) (c)’s accounting provision, we order that he be suspended from the practice of law for at least six months, effective from the date this opinion is issued, and that he not be reinstated until a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist certifies that he is mentally competent to practice law.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Dalziel Jr. is an employment and labor attorney in Marietta, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia School of Law. He acquired his law license in Georgia in 1980.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
