On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Helena attorney Gregory M. Worcester filed his response to a complaint filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Montana for professional misconduct.

The case is styled “In the Matter of  Gregory M. Worcester,” with case no. 21-207 and 22-177.

In a six-count complaint filed on February 1, 2023, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleged that Worcester violated the rules of professional conduct governing competence; diligence; communication with clients; expediting litigation; fairness to opposing party and counsel; declining or terminating representation; and misconduct.

The filing states:

“Respondent did not contact opposing counsel to request an extension, nor did he provide the alleged incomplete information to them either, citing it, “didn’t even occur” to him. Defendant filed a Motion to Compel and was awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $2,511.33.

Defendant then filed motions for default and summary judgment. Respondent failed to respond to either motion and the Court granted partial summary and default judgments for the Defendant.”

The filing continues:

“At October 28, 2022, hearing, Respondent failed to appear, leaving his client unrepresented for the hearing on the final parenting plan and contempt motion. The District Court entered an Order to Show Cause on November 3, 2022, specifically citing the instant hearing as Respondent’s second failure to appear Complaint throughout the proceedings, and further, set a December 30 hearing for why Respondent should not be held in Contempt.”

The filing further alleges:

“On March 2, 2022, the mother appeared, but Respondent failed to do so. The mother indicated she had not spoken with Respondent and was unaware of the requirements and deadlines in the pre-trial Order (.e.g. to participate in mediation, complete parenting classes, etc.). The Court ordered an Interim Parenting Plan and re-set the pre-trial conference for July 28, 2022, and a Final Parenting Plan hearing for August 12, 2022. 23. Respondent failed to appear at the July 28 hearing, though his client, the opposing party, and his attorney, were present. The Court, opposing counsel, and the mother attempted to reach Respondent but were unsuccessful.”

In his Response dated February 21, 2023, Worcester admitted almost all of the allegations but denied that he had violated the Rules of Professional Conduct as charged in the Complaint.

Accordingly, Worcester requested that a formal hearing be had on the allegations of the Complaint before an Adjudicatory Panel of the Commission on Practice, and for other such and further relief deemed necessary and proper.

As of today, Mr. Worcester is listed as an attorney at Aspen Law PLLC. His info can be found on LinkedIn. Gregory attended the University of Montana School of Law, graduating in 2017. He practices in Helena and has been licensed in Montana.

A copy of Mr. Worcester’s response can be found here.