On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred attorney Keith Chance Hardy after he was found to have committed multiple rule violations in his handling of three separate client cases.
The case is entitled “In the matter of Keith Chance Hardy” with case no. S23Y0869.
The respondent was found to have breached multiple rules outlined in the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, which pertain to three distinct client cases. These breaches encompassed a range of shortcomings, including inadequate proficiency, failure to uphold effective communication with clients, mishandling client funds, and the unauthorized resolution of a case.
These actions led to a grievance being filed with the Bar in November 2021, which the respondent failed to respond to. Upon investigation, the special master determined that the respondent had violated Rule 1.1 and 1.2(a) across all three cases, and additionally breached Rule 1.2(a) in one instance by executing a settlement without proper authorization.
Considering these findings, the court concurred with the special master’s recommendation for disbarment as the appropriate course of action in response to the respondent’s actions.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of Keith Cha n ce Hardy be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Hardy is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4 – 219 (b).”
Mr. Hardy was a practicing attorney based in Columbus, Georgia, holding a license within the state. Further information about his legal practice and background can be accessed on avvo.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
