On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reinstated Attorney Matthew J. Dupuy to the practice of law after a three-month suspension that began on August 16, 2024. The suspension was a result of findings related to Dupuy’s representation of an elderly client, known in court documents as N.Z., during 2019 and 2020.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew J. Dupuy,” with case no. BD-2024-047.
The court’s decision came after Dupuy submitted an affidavit for reinstatement, asserting that he had complied with all the conditions of his suspension. He confirmed his commitment to abstain from practicing law until December 15, 2024, the date his suspension was set to expire. The Office of Bar Counsel initially suggested that Dupuy’s request for reinstatement was premature but ultimately did not oppose his affidavit.
Dupuy’s suspension was prompted by several misconduct allegations. He represented N.Z., who was living in an assisted living facility and wished to return home. Under the terms of their agreement, Dupuy required N.Z. to sign over power of attorney and transfer her home into a trust, with Dupuy acting as co-trustee. However, the fee agreement did not clearly outline the scope of Dupuy’s legal representation, leading to disputes over the services rendered.
It was revealed that much of the over $22,000 Dupuy charged N.Z. was for non-legal tasks, such as home repairs and bill payments, rather than legal services. Experts indicated that these activities did not require legal expertise. Additionally, Dupuy used the power of attorney to sell stocks valued at over $60,000, which were of sentimental importance to N.Z., to cover his fees. He claimed to have obtained permission for this transaction but failed to provide adequate documentation to support his assertions.
During the disciplinary hearing, Dupuy did not contest the majority of the factual findings. However, he argued for a lighter sanction, which the board rejected, citing multiple aggravating factors including his extensive experience in law and a previous admonishment concerning similar issues.
The court emphasized that the decision to reinstate Dupuy was made under S.J.C. Rule 4:01, which governs attorney conduct and reinstatement procedures in Massachusetts. The order reinstating Dupuy reflects the court’s recognition of his compliance with the suspension terms and the procedural guidelines surrounding attorney reinstatement.
The Disposition states:
“Upon consideration thereof, it is ORDERED and ADJUDGED that Matthew J. Dupuy, be reinstated as a member of the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts effective December 16, 2024 .”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Dupuy is a personal injury attorney in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts. He attended the Western New England College School of Law. He acquired his law license in Massachusetts in 1978.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
