On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued a ruling disbarring attorney Matthew A. LeFande for multiple violations of professional conduct. The decision followed a detailed report and recommendation from the Board on Professional Responsibility, which highlighted LeFande’s involvement in several disciplinary infractions.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew A. LeFande,” with case no. 24-BG-0205.
The court’s ruling stemmed from a series of misconduct incidents, including his handling of the District Title litigation, various bankruptcy matters, and his failure to comply with disciplinary investigations. The Board found that LeFande committed seven violations of the District of Columbia and Maryland Rules of Professional Responsibility. This included making frivolous legal arguments and engaging in conduct that severely interfered with the administration of justice.
The controversy began in 2014 when LeFande represented Anita Warren and her son, Timothy Day, in a case involving a significant financial error by District Title. The title company mistakenly wired $293,514.44 to Warren instead of her mortgage lender, Wells Fargo. When District Title sought the return of the funds, Warren transferred the funds to her son and other relatives, prompting District Title to file a lawsuit. During this litigation, LeFande orchestrated the transfer of sale proceeds from Day to a bank account in New Zealand, a move the Board deemed a deliberate attempt to conceal assets.
Despite the lack of direct evidence proving LeFande intended to steal, the court noted that his actions were aimed at obstructing the legal process. After an injunction was granted against Warren and Day to prevent them from dissipating the funds, LeFande continued to resist compliance with court orders, ultimately leading to his contempt conviction.
In addition to the District Title case, LeFande was involved in multiple bankruptcy matters. He filed a bankruptcy petition on behalf of Warren, which the Board concluded was done to evade deposition in ongoing litigation. The bankruptcy court subsequently imposed sanctions on LeFande for filing frivolous motions and failing to attend hearings, marking a pattern of misconduct that resulted in further disciplinary actions.
LeFande’s issues extended beyond his representation of clients. He faced sanctions in the case of another client, Teodora Simu, where he violated bankruptcy stay orders, leading to contempt findings against Simu. His repetitive filing of frivolous motions and misrepresentation of facts in court further solidified the Board’s concerns about his conduct.
During the disciplinary proceedings, LeFande did not cooperate with the investigation, failing to respond to subpoenas and other inquiries from Disciplinary Counsel. His lack of participation led to additional findings against him, as he did not address the charges or appear before the Hearing Committee. The Board noted that LeFande’s dismissive attitude toward the disciplinary process indicated a troubling lack of responsibility for his actions.
As the Board deliberated on an appropriate sanction, it remained divided. Four members recommended a three-year suspension with conditions for reinstatement, while four others advocated for disbarment, citing LeFande’s ongoing pattern of dishonesty and disregard for the judicial system.
The court ultimately sided with the recommendation for disbarment, concluding that LeFande’s conduct represented flagrant dishonesty and a serious threat to the integrity of the legal profession.
The Disposition states:
“ORDERED that respondent Matthew A. LeFande is hereby disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia. For purposes of reinstatement, the period of LeFande’s disbarment shall not begin to run until such time as he files an adequate affidavit of compliance with D.C. Bar R. XI, 14(g).”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Lefande is an administrative attorney in Arlington, Virginia. He acquired his law license in D.C. in 2002.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
