On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred attorney Justin Allen Chin following a recommendation from the State Disciplinary Review Board. The decision stemmed from Chin’s violations of multiple Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct (GRPC) across eight client matters, primarily involving divorce and custody cases. Chi was found to have acted knowingly in most instances, causing actual or potential harm to his clients.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Justin Allen Chin,” with case no. S25Y0879.
The State Bar filed eight formal complaints against Chin between May 31 and June 5, 2023, alleging violations of GRPC Rules related to client communication, diligence, fee agreements, trust account management, and professional conduct. These rules govern a lawyer’s duty to consult with clients, act promptly, maintain clear fee agreements, safeguard client funds, and avoid dishonest conduct. Chin acknowledged the service of the complaints but failed to file timely responses by July 23, 2023.
The Special Master, Samuel Jeffrey Rusbridge, granted the State Bar’s motion for default, deeming the alleged violations admitted due to Chin’s failure to respond within the required timeframe.
An evidentiary hearing revealed that Chin, a sole practitioner with 12 years of experience in family law, mishandled client funds and cases. In one instance, he failed to disburse proceeds from the sale of a client’s marital property, leaving the client without funds from her divorce settlement. In another case, Chin neglected to respond to discovery requests, failed to inform a client about court motions, and only notified her of a hearing on the morning it was scheduled. Several clients reported emotional and financial harm, including the need to hire new attorneys and pursue arbitration to recover funds. Chin admitted during the hearing that his focus had been “more about money than helping people” at the time of the violations.
The Special Master initially recommended an 18-month suspension, citing negligence and a lack of actual harm to clients. However, the Review Board rejected this, finding that Chin’s actions were intentional and caused harm or potential harm. The Review Board pointed to additional aggravating factors, such as fee disputes and Chin’s filing of liens against clients, which were later struck down or settled. The Supreme Court agreed with the Review Board, concluding that the Special Master’s findings on Chin’s mental state and the impact of his actions were unsupported by the record.
Chin contested the Review Board’s recommendation, arguing that the Special Master correctly assessed his mental state and that an 18-month suspension was sufficient. The State Bar countered that disbarment was warranted due to the severity and number of violations. The Supreme Court’s review of the record supported the Review Board’s conclusions, leading to Chin’s disbarment.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of Justin Allen Chin be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Chin is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (b).”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Chin was a divorce and separation attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Mercer University – Walter F. George School of Law, graduating in 2008. He acquired his law license in Georgia in 2012.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
