On Friday, September 6, 2024, the District of Columbia Board on Professional Responsibility Hearing Committee Number Four recommended the disbarment of attorney Sonya N. Armfield for violating professional conduct rules.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Sonya N. Armfield,” with case no. 22-BD-076.
The charges cited the District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and 8.4(d).
The Committee found by clear and convincing evidence that Armfield intentionally or recklessly misappropriated client funds, commingled client money with her own, and failed to keep proper records as required when serving as guardian and conservator for Elease Brown from 2014 until Brown died in 2017. Armfield was also temporarily responsible for the financial affairs of Christopher Maillet.
In its report, the Committee detailed how Armfield failed to properly manage Brown’s finances and file mandatory accounting updates with the court. This prompted an audit that found around $12,500 missing from Brown’s accounts. The auditor also discovered that Armfield directly deposited some of Maillet’s checks into her personal bank account instead of the client accounts.
As a member of the Superior Court’s fiduciary panel for nearly a decade, Armfield underwent training on responsibilities like keeping client money separate, documenting transactions, and submitting timely reports. But testimony indicated Armfield struggled with these obligations. Respondent testified that probate is very complex and nuanced and that she is inexperienced in acting as conservator and guardian. She also claimed that she is unsure of requirements and procedures and when confronted with the deadline to submit accountings to the court, she repeatedly solicited assistance from the court and Auditor-Master that went unanswered.
However, the Committee was unconvinced, finding no evidence that the processes were unusually complicated or that Armfield received inadequate assistance when seeking help. As a trained member of the fiduciary panel, they concluded she understood her duties to protect the interests of the vulnerable adults in her care.
The hearing spanned over a year due to multiple requests from Armfield to delay proceedings. The Committee denied her final request to prolong the sanctions phase to present additional witnesses supporting medical issues, though one doctor did testify remotely about treating her conditions. Given the evidence of intentional misappropriation, the Committee recommended disbarment.
According to the filing, Ms. Armfield acquired her law license in D.C. in 2007.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
