On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Colorado Presiding Disciplinary Judge reinstated attorney Laura Ann Mathews to the practice of law.
The case is entitled “Laura Ann Mathews v. Peopl,e” with case number 23PDJ043.
Mathews was suspended in September 2020 based on misconduct in three separate client matters between 2016 and 2019. She failed to initiate a guardianship case for two clients as retained and did not properly communicate with them. Mathews also pleaded guilty in 2019 to reckless driving charges stemming from multiple hit-and-run accidents, as well as receiving a DUI conviction. Most seriously, Mathews was convicted of felony forgery for allegedly falsifying a clients’ signatures on a fee agreement.
During her suspension, Mathews worked as a law clerk and paralegal under the supervision of licensed attorneys. She also underwent counseling and treatment to address personal issues that may have contributed to her actions. Two experts—a psychiatrist and therapist who have treated Mathews for years—testified that she has gained insight into how her childhood trauma affected her work and has implemented new self-care strategies. Witnesses including other attorneys praised Mathews’s legal skills and integrity.
In its order, the Hearing Board acknowledged the seriousness of Mathews’s convictions but found she has demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation through her efforts during suspension. While Mathews maintains her innocence of forgery, the board was convinced she accepts responsibility for the outcome of that case. Given evidence she is now fit to practice competently and ethically with new safeguards, the board concluded Mathews should regain her license to resume serving clients, especially in the area of disabilities law where she has long specialized. Barring an appeal, Mathews can now resume her solo law practice after over four years suspended. The case signifies she has overcome past mistakes and earned reinstatement to her profession.
According to Avvo, Ms. Matthews is an elder law attorney in Denver, Colorado. She attended the University of Denver College of Law. She obtained her law license in Colorado in 2002.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
