On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona reprimanded attorney Leila L. Hale for her failure to promptly disburse client funds.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Leila L. Hale,” with case no. 2023-9021.

On April 24, 2023, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona issued an order to reprimand the respondent as a form of reciprocal discipline based on the earlier sanction imposed by the Supreme Court of Nevada against her for her failure to promptly disburse client funds.

The report states:

“The violation of RPC 1.16 is based on Hale’s continued failure to disburse remaining settlement funds after the client terminated her. The panel concluded that Hale acted knowingly, but that she caused little to no actual or potential harm. It found, based on the party’s stipulation, two aggravating factors (prior disciplinary offenses and substantial experience in the practice of law) and four mitigating factors (full and free disclosure to disciplinary authority or cooperative attitude toward disciplinary proceeding, character or reputation, imposition of other penalties or sanctions, and remorse).”

The report continues:

“We conclude that the most serious violation is Hale’s failure to safe keep the property, a violation of RPC 1.15(a). We further conclude that she acted negligently, rather than with knowledge, and that her actions violated duties owed to her clients and to the profession. We agree with the State Bar that Hale caused actual injury with the potential for further injury because her misconduct deprived her client of access to and use of funds to which the client was entitled to more than two years.”

Based on this information, the Supreme Court of Arizona made the decision to formally rebuke the license of the individual involved in the matter. This action was taken in response to the established facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

The Disposition states:

“IT IS ORDERED that Leila L. Hale, Bar No. 033212, is reprimanded for her conduct in violation of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent pay the costs and expenses of the State Bar of Arizona in the amount of $1,200.00 within 30 days. There are no costs or expenses incurred by the Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge in these proceedings.”

Ms. Hale practices in Henderson, Nevada. She is licensed in Nevada. Her info can be found on lawyers.justia.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.