On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of Arizona denied attorney John D. Kaufmann’s appeal, affirming a decision and sanction previously imposed by a Hearing Panel. The ruling upholds a six-month suspension from the practice of law in Arizona for Kaufmann.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John D. Kaufmann,” with case no. SB-25-0023-AP.
The disciplinary action stems from a complaint filed by the State Bar of Arizona on August 12, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of ethical rules related to Kaufmann’s conduct, which occurred while he was already under suspension from a prior disciplinary matter. Specifically, the State Bar asserted that Kaufmann violated ER 1.9 (c) (use and disclosure of information relating to a former client), ER 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law), and ER 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice).
These allegations arose from Kaufmann’s actions in the Arizona Court of Appeals, where he filed documents seeking a new trial for his former client, Max Fontes. During this period, he allegedly presented himself as a member of the State Bar and/or a practicing attorney associated with the “Law Office of John D. Kaufmann.”
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge (PDJ) initially addressed the matter through cross-motions for summary judgment. The PDJ denied Kaufmann’s motion and granted the State Bar’s motion regarding the alleged ethical violations. An evidentiary hearing, initially scheduled for January 30, 2025, was then converted into an aggravation/mitigation hearing conducted via Zoom. Kaufmann’s subsequent motion for reconsideration was denied, but his request to continue the aggravation/mitigation hearing was granted, and the hearing was reset for February 11, 2025.
The Hearing Panel’s decision, which the Supreme Court has now affirmed, detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law leading to the six-month suspension. The panel referenced Kaufmann’s submission of an amicus brief to the Court of Appeals, arguing for a new trial for Fontes based on what Kaufmann characterized as inadequate representation by Fontes’ appellate counsel, David Euchner.
In determining the appropriate sanction, the Hearing Panel considered ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, focusing on the duties violated, Kaufmann’s mental state, the potential injury caused by his misconduct, and aggravating and mitigating factors. Aggravating factors included prior disciplinary offenses (a 90-day suspension in PDJ 2023-9004), a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, refusal to acknowledge the wrongful nature of his conduct, and substantial experience in the practice of law. Mitigating factors included Kaufmann’s previously clean disciplinary record before the Fontes case and his testimony regarding professional, civic, and charitable activities.
The suspension is effective immediately. Upon reinstatement, Kaufmann will be subject to the same terms of probation issued in PDJ 2023-9004. He is also required to pay the costs and expenses incurred by the State Bar in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Kaufman is a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, Arizona. He acquired his law license in Arizona in 1975.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
