On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Fourth District, Section II Subcommittee of the Virginia State Bar issued a public reprimand without terms to attorney Michael Mitry Hadeed, Jr., regarding his representation of client Akberet Habte in a personal injury case stemming from an automobile accident in August 2022. The decision follows a series of meetings held on January 8 and January 23, 2026.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Michael Mitry Hadeed, Jr.,” with case no. 26-042-136138.
According to the Subcommittee’s findings, Hadeed failed to act with reasonable diligence and competence in representing Habte. Specifically, he allegedly neglected the case from November 2022 until June 2024, failing to update GEICO, the other driver’s insurer, on Habte’s treatment and case details, and not providing necessary records for the insurer to set limits. Hadeed also waited until nine weeks before the statute of limitations was set to expire before sending the initial demand to the insurer. The demand itself was described as generic, and Hadeed allegedly did not consult with Habte to review it for accuracy.
The Subcommittee further determined that Hadeed failed to adequately communicate with Habte throughout the representation. This included not discussing the case after Habte finished treatment, not providing updates on the case status, and not informing Habte about the settlement demand, GEICO’s response, or the ultimate settlement. Habte was also allegedly not informed about the statute of limitations deadline.
The findings indicate that Hadeed agreed to settle Habte’s claim for $19,000 without her knowledge or authorization. GEICO mailed a check for this amount on August 5, 2024, and Habte was notified by GEICO the following day. Hadeed deposited the funds into his trust account on August 15, 2024.
Habte reportedly contacted Hadeed in March 2025 to express her dissatisfaction, but he did not respond. She subsequently filed a bar complaint on July 8, 2025.
In his response to the bar complaint, Hadeed stated that his paralegal was responsible for handling the liens and working the case, communicating with Habte. He also mentioned implementing software to document calls and work at the paralegal’s request. However, the Subcommittee noted that Hadeed’s file lacked documentation of these communications.
The Subcommittee also found that Hadeed failed to properly supervise his paralegal, who was working remotely in Texas, to ensure her conduct aligned with his ethical obligations regarding diligence and communication. The Subcommittee emphasized that the duty to communicate with Habte regarding settlement, including explaining the settlement and obtaining her authorization, was non-delegable.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, it is the decision of the Fourth District Sections II Subcommittee of the Virginia State Bar to impose a Public Reprimand without Terms, and Michael Mitry Hadeed, Jr. is so reprimanded.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Hadeed Jr. is a business attorney in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended the George Mason University School of Law, graduating in 1984. He acquired his law license in Virginia in 1985.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
