On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred attorney William Keith McGowan. The decision came after a thorough investigation into McGowan’s conduct while representing a client in a personal injury case, leading to multiple violations of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of William Keith McGowan,” with case no. S25Y1130.
The State Bar issued a Notice of Investigation on April 21, 2023, following a grievance filed by a client. The client alleged that McGowan had not disbursed any portion of a $30,000 settlement related to a car accident that occurred on October 1, 2019. McGowan’s response to the allegations was untimely, claiming he was attempting to resolve a lien with the client’s health insurer.
After further investigation, the State Bar filed a Formal Complaint against McGowan on February 29, 2024. However, he failed to respond adequately, leading the State Bar to file a Motion for Default, which was granted on July 22, 2024. The Special Master subsequently held a hearing to assess the situation, ultimately concluding that disbarment was the appropriate remedy.
The Special Master’s findings revealed that McGowan had engaged in a pattern of misconduct. He had deposited the $30,000 settlement check into his IOLTA account but made unauthorized transfers totaling $17,400 to his operating account without the client’s knowledge. This action violated several rules, including those on the separation of client funds and the obligation to keep clients informed.
Moreover, McGowan misled the client about the status of her funds, assuring her that he was negotiating with the health insurer while he was actually using the funds for personal expenses. The client, who suffered financially due to McGowan’s actions, testified that she had to deplete her savings to cover medical expenses.
The Special Master noted that McGowan’s conduct not only caused significant harm to the client but also undermined public trust in the legal profession. The report highlighted that McGowan had a history of dishonest behavior, including submitting false statements during the disciplinary process and failing to acknowledge the wrongful nature of his actions.
In determining the appropriate sanction, the Special Master considered the ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, which evaluate factors such as the duty violated, the lawyer’s mental state, and the potential injury caused. McGowan’s actions were deemed intentional, and the Special Master found that he displayed a selfish motive by converting client funds for personal use.
Despite McGowan’s lack of a prior disciplinary record being a mitigating factor, the gravity of his violations led the Special Master to recommend disbarment.
The Supreme Court of Georgia agreed, ordering McGowan’s name be removed from the rolls of licensed attorneys in the state.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, it is ordered that the name of William Keith McGowan be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. McGowan is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219(b).”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. McGowan was a bankruptcy and debt attorney in Statesboro, Georgia. He attended Mercer University-W. George L.S. He acquired his law license in Georgia in 1992.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
