On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Oklahoma Supreme Court approved the resignation of Tulsa attorney Chadwick Richardson from the Oklahoma Bar Association. Richardson had been under investigation by the Office of the General Counsel for professional misconduct.
The case is entitled “State of Oklahoma, ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Chadwick R. Richardson,” case no. 2023 OK 95.
The investigation stemmed from six grievances filed against Richardson between March 2020 and August 2021. Clients alleged Richardson neglected legal matters, failed to properly handle retainers, and abandoned cases. One client also accused Richardson of apparent drug use during their representation.
In September 2021, Richardson tested positive for methamphetamine and other drugs during a deposition regarding the grievances. He had previously received a deferred prosecution in 2016 for drug possession and other charges.
Richardson’s resignation came as the Bar Association was pursuing disciplinary action over the allegations. He acknowledged that his conduct violated several Rules of Professional Conduct regarding competence, fees, safekeeping of client property, and drug violations.
As part of the resignation, Richardson agreed to reimburse any future payouts from the Client Security Fund. He also cannot reapply for bar reinstatement for five years. The Supreme Court accepted Richardson’s resignation, effective immediately, and removed his name from the list of licensed attorneys in Oklahoma.
According to the filing, Mr. Chadwick Richardson practiced in Tulsa, Oklahoma prior to his resignation. He had acquired his law license in Oklahoma in 1993.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
