On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona reinstated attorney Lise R. Witt after suspension for unauthorized communication with a represented party.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Lise R. Witt” with case no. PDJ 2021-9111.
On March 9, 2023, the Supreme Court of Arizona suspended attorney Lise R. Witt for 120 days for violating Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct 4.2 and 8.4(d). Witt’s suspension arose from her unauthorized communication with a represented party, Tanisha Haynes, who was co-defendant alongside Witt’s client, Larry Williams, in a criminal case involving felony child sex trafficking. Witt attempted to persuade Haynes to sign an affidavit contradicting the victim’s statements, disrupting legal negotiations. Attorney Charles Naegle, representing Haynes, found Witt’s suggestion “absurd” and not in his client’s best interest.
The report states:
“Mr. Naegle learned of Ms. Witt’s communications with his client from prosecutor Jenkins. He testified that Ms. Witt’s actions undermined work he had been performing on Ms. Haynes’s behalf, that the affidavit did not benefit his client, and that the affidavit contradicted statements she had made to law enforcement. “
On August 1, 2023, Witt filed an affidavit for reinstatement, confirming her adherence to the directives of the Arizona Supreme Court and successful completion of her short-term suspension. The State Bar did not raise objections to her reinstatement. Consequently, the Supreme Court of Arizona reinstated attorney Witt.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS ORDERED reinstating LISE R. WITT, Bar No. M3118, to the active practice of law in Arizona, effective immediately.”
Ms. Writt attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, graduating in 1989. She practices in Gilbert, Arizona. She is licensed in Arizona. Her info can be found on martindale.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
