On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals suspended attorney Craig A. Butler from practicing law for six months, with reinstatement contingent on proving fitness to resume practice. The decision follows a report from the Board on Professional Responsibility, which found Butler committed multiple violations of professional conduct rules across several client cases.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel charged Butler with three counts of misconduct. The first count involved a bankruptcy case where Butler represented a client attempting to prevent home foreclosure. Butler filed a bankruptcy petition, triggering an automatic stay to halt foreclosure. However, he failed to address overdue payments, did not oppose a bank’s motion to lift the stay, and neglected to inform his client about the motion despite repeated client inquiries. The court lifted the stay, and the client’s home was sold at auction. The Hearing Committee found Butler’s actions lacked competence, diligence, and adequate client communication, violating D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Craig A. Butler,” with case number 24-BG-0090.
The second count addressed six bankruptcy cases involving five clients. Butler failed to respond to motions for summary judgment and dismissal, neglected to file motions to extend bankruptcy stays, and missed court-ordered hearings and notices. In one case, a client learned of a default judgment only by checking the court docket himself, as Butler did not inform him. The client filed pro se motions to vacate the judgment, but Butler’s subsequent inaction led to another summary judgment against the client. The Hearing Committee concluded Butler’s conduct showed a lack of competence, diligence, and zeal, and seriously interfered with the administration of justice.
The third count concerned a personal-injury case filed in Maryland. Butler failed to obtain a proper summons, comply with court procedures, update his contact information, respond to court orders, and appear at multiple show-cause hearings. These failures led to the dismissal of the case, filed on the last day of the statute of limitations, leaving the client without recourse. The Hearing Committee determined Butler’s actions violated Maryland’s rules on competence, diligence, and conduct prejudicial to justice.
Upon reviewing the evidence, the Board on Professional Responsibility supported the Hearing Committee’s findings, highlighting that Butler’s misconduct spanned several years and involved multiple clients. The Board noted that although Butler had no prior disciplinary history, his repeated failures warranted a significant suspension. They recommended a six-month suspension without a stay, along with a requirement for Butler to demonstrate fitness before being reinstated to the bar.
The court accepted the Board’s recommendation, emphasizing the seriousness of Butler’s actions and the need for accountability. The ruling indicated that Butler’s pattern of neglect and failure to fulfill his professional obligations raised significant doubts about his fitness to practice law.
In accordance with court protocols, Butler had been placed on interim suspension since April 10, 2024, pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. Following the court’s decision, his official suspension period will be considered to have begun upon the filing of an affidavit of compliance, which he submitted on August 19, 2024.
According to Avvo, Mr. Butler is a real estate lawyer in Washington, DC. He acquired his law license in DC in 1996.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
