On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Maine Grievance Commission imposed a reprimand on attorney Jacqueline L.L. Gomes related to her representation of a client in a criminal case.
The case is entitled “Board of Overseers of the Bar v. Jacqueline L.L. Gomes, Esq,” with case no. GCF 23-221.
Attorney Gomes was appointed in April 2022 to represent P.V., a man serving a federal prison sentence who also had pending criminal matters in York County Superior Court. However, P.V. was unable to communicate with Gomes over the next 15 months despite efforts by P.V., his family members, and his Pennsylvania attorney. P.V. filed a grievance with the Board in July 2023, outlining his lack of contact with Gomes and how he needed to speak with her to try resolving his Maine criminal case.
When questioned by the Board, Gomes acknowledged that she failed to communicate with P.V. as alleged. She blamed difficulties communicating with the federal prison system but provided no evidence that she tried contacting P.V. through approved phone calls, emails, or letters. Gomes also did not act on P.V.’s case for 18 months, neglecting to file a motion that the court anticipated she would file to allow a video arraignment for P.V.
Gomes cited a heavy caseload and lack of experience dealing with clients in federal custody in her defense. However, she moved to withdraw as counsel in October 2023, long after being appointed and only after the disciplinary process began. The Grievance Commission found Gomes violated her professional duties of competence, diligence, communication, and withdrawal from representation. Her actions caused harm to P.V. through delays and lack of meaningful legal aid.
During its investigation, the Board made multiple requests for information from Gomes, which she repeatedly failed to provide on time or not at all. This constituted a failure to cooperate under Maine’s professional conduct rules. Ultimately, Gomes did not respond to the formal disciplinary petition, resulting in the allegations being deemed admitted.
After considering aggravating and mitigating factors, the Commission imposed a reprimand on Gomes. It found her misconduct was primarily negligent but that she knowingly failed to participate fully in the disciplinary process. While Gomes had no prior record, her substantial legal experience was an aggravating factor. The reprimand brings the matter to a close while still holding Gomes accountable for violating her duties as an attorney.
According to avvo.com, Ms. Gomes is an attorney in Westbrook, Maine. She attended the University of Maine School of Law. She acquired her law license in Maine in 1991.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
