On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma disbarred attorney James Albert Conrady, citing repeated instances of professional misconduct and failure to cooperate with the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of James Albert Conrad,” with case number 2025 OK 74.
The disbarment stems from two separate disciplinary proceedings: a formal complaint initiated under Rule 6 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings (RGDP) and a summary reciprocal disciplinary proceeding under RGDP Rule 7.7, triggered by Conrady’s disbarment from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
The Rule 6 proceeding involved five counts of professional misconduct, with the court finding clear and convincing evidence of violations in four of those counts. These violations included neglecting clients, failing to communicate effectively, mishandling unearned fees, and demonstrating a lack of diligence in legal representation.
Specifically, the court highlighted Conrady’s representation of Jason Clark, where Conrady resisted mediation efforts, failed to inform Clark about arbitration proceedings, and filed a federal lawsuit that was eventually dismissed due to his failure to serve defendants and respond to court orders. The court noted that Conrady’s actions led to sanctions being imposed upon him by a federal court, which found he acted in bad faith.
In another case, Conrady was found to have neglected Donett Brooks’ legal matters following her husband’s death. Despite receiving a $12,000 retainer, Conrady failed to advance her probate case, revise her estate planning documents, prepare tax returns, or facilitate the transfer of stock as agreed. He also failed to return original documents and unearned fees.
Similarly, Geoffrey Arce, who retained Conrady for a federal lawsuit and a replevin action, experienced neglect. The federal case was dismissed due to lack of service, and a default judgment was entered against Arce in the replevin action because Conrady failed to take any action. Conrady also deposited Arce’s retainer into his operating account instead of his IOLTA account.
Jodie Navarro and Micah Boggs also experienced issues with Conrady, who was hired to assist with the probate of their father’s estate. After successfully dismissing the initial probate petition, Conrady failed to file a new action in the correct county, despite assurances and receiving $3,000 for his representation. He also failed to refund the unused portion of the retainer.
The court found insufficient evidence to support the allegations in Count II, which concerned Conrady’s representation of Margaret Lowery, citing concerns about Lowery’s credibility as a witness.
In addition to the substantive misconduct, the court emphasized Conrady’s failure to cooperate with the OBA’s investigation, as he did not respond to multiple letters regarding the grievances filed against him.
The Rule 7.7 proceeding was initiated after Conrady’s disbarment from the Tenth Circuit for entering an appearance while suspended and failing to respond to court orders. The Oklahoma Supreme Court noted that Conrady failed to report his Tenth Circuit disbarment to the OBA, as required by RGDP Rule 7.7(a).
The court ordered Conrady to pay $4,833.99 in costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings within 90 days. Conrady may petition for reinstatement to the practice of law no sooner than five years from the effective date of the disbarment.
According to Avvo, Mr. Conrady was a probate lawyer in Stillwater, OK. He acquired his law license in Oklahoma in 1976.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
