On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of Kentucky suspended attorney Richard Davis Null from practicing law indefinitely.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Richard Davis Null,” with case no. 2024-SC-0197-KB.
Null had been facing seven charges of professional misconduct related to two complaints filed against him in 2023. According to the charges, Null abruptly stopped communicating with a client who had paid him $3,000 in a child custody case and told another client he was retired when in fact he had been suspended.
The Court noted Null’s multiple previous disciplinary issues, including private reprimands. Most recently, in December 2022 he received a one-year suspension with 180 days to serve and 185 days probated. However, Null failed to comply with the terms of his probation and show cause for his actions, resulting in the 185-day probation being imposed in August 2023.
Efforts to serve Null the latest charges at addresses on file were unsuccessful. He did not respond to or contest the charges. Considering Null’s history and abandonment of clients, the Kentucky Bar Association recommended a two-year suspension. However, the Supreme Court decided on an indefinite suspension, citing Null’s disregard for court orders and professional rules.
The indefinite suspension will remain in effect pending further action, such as a request to reconsider from Null, a motion from the KBA, or additional charges being brought. The Court ordered Null to comply with prior obligations, including refunding money and notifying clients of his inability to represent them. He must also refrain from practicing law or advertising during his suspension. Null was also directed to pay $740.17 in costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Null is an attorney in Paducah, Kentucky. He acquired his law license in Kentucky in 1998.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
