On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ordered the suspension of attorney Edward J. Collins for serial neglect, frivolous litigation, and violation of court orders in numerous state and federal courts
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Edward J. Collins,” with case no. 2023-056.
The charges violated the following rules of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct:
Rule 1.1: Competence.
Rule 1.2(a): Seek the client’s lawful objective.
Rule 1.3: Act with reasonable diligence and promptness.
Rule 3.1: Do not bring, continue or defend a proceeding unless there is a non-frivolous basis to do so.
Rule 3.4(c): Knowingly disobey an obligation under the tribunal’s rules.
Rule 8.4(d): Disobeying court orders, among them an order to pay sanctions, resulting in a contempt judgment.
Rule 1.16(a): Withdraw from representation if discharged.
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
On May 8, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court recommended the suspension of Collins for violating several rules of professional conduct while representing a client. The case originated from the respondent’s failure to maintain proper communication with his client, provide updates on the case’s status, act diligently and promptly, safeguard the client’s interests after termination of representation, and cooperate with the bar counsel’s investigation. Furthermore, Collins falsely claimed to have filed a court complaint and secured a settlement offer from the defendant’s insurer, when, in reality, he had done neither. Additionally, he abandoned the client’s case abruptly and without any notification or explanation.
The report states:
“The board based its decision on the complaint filed by Collins’ former client with the Office of Bar Counsel and on the evidence presented by bar counsel at a hearing before a hearing committee of the board. The hearing committee issued a report recommending that Collins be suspended for 18 months, and the board adopted the report and recommendation after Collins did not file an appeal.”
The Hearing Committee and, upon review, the Board of Bar Overseers, recommended an eighteen-month suspension against Collins. Considering the recommendation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ordered the suspension of the same.
The Disposition states:
“Edward J. Collins is hereby suspended from the practice of law in the Commonwealth period of eighteen (18) months. In 4:01, 17 (3), the suspension shall after the date of the entry of this of Massachusetts for accordance with S.J. be effective thirty Order.”
Mr. Collins practices in Wayland, Massachusetts. He was licensed in Massachusetts. His info can be found on lawyer.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
