On Monday, October 7, 2024, the Supreme Court of California suspended attorney John Easton Cowan from practicing law for two years. The execution of the suspension was stayed, and he was placed on probation for the same duration.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of John Easton Cowan,” with case no. S286320.

The court’s order stems from an agreement, or stipulation, that Cowan entered into with the State Bar of California in July 2024. According to the stipulation, Cowan committed multiple violations of California’s Rules of Professional Conduct, including failing to act with reasonable competence and diligence, failing to adequately communicate with clients, and failing to promptly return client files and property.

Specifically, the stipulation detailed misconduct related to separate client matters spanning from 2020 to 2023. It alleges Cowan repeatedly failed to file lawsuits and other legal documents on time, leading to some client claims being barred by statutes of limitations. He was also accused of incompetently drafting legal documents, failing to adequately communicate with clients about important case developments and deadlines, and not returning unearned fees and client files promptly upon termination of representation.

As part of the stipulation, Cowan acknowledged the facts of misconduct and admitted to violating various rules of professional conduct governing competence, diligence, communication with clients, and responsibilities upon termination of representation. He entered into the pre-filing stipulation to resolve the disciplinary matter short of formal charges and a full evidentiary hearing.

Consistent with the stipulation, the Supreme Court suspended Cowan for two years but stayed the execution of the suspension and placed him on probation for two years with various conditions. He will be actively suspended from practice for the first six months of his probation. Conditions of his probation also include completing an ethics course, paying monetary sanctions to the State Bar Client Security Fund totaling $2,500 in installments, and paying costs associated with the disciplinary proceeding.

According to avvo.com, Mr. Cowan is a class action attorney in San Francisco, California. He acquired his law license in California in 1993.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.