On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma disbarred attorney Michael David Collins from practicing law in the state.
The case is entitled “Oklahoma Bar Association v. Michael David Collins,” with case no. 7608.
The court issued its ruling after the Oklahoma Bar Association filed grievances against Collins for disciplinary actions taken against him in other states and jurisdictions. According to the document, Collins was publicly reprimanded in Arkansas in 2012 and Illinois in 2013 for practicing law without authorization and neglecting client cases, leading to financial judgments against two clients in Arkansas that caused them to declare bankruptcy.
Collins failed to notify the Oklahoma Bar Association of the discipline against him as required. He also did not cooperate with the OBA’s investigation into an admonishment issued against him by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit for similar conduct. The OBA sent Collins multiple letters and requests for information over several months, but he did not respond.
As a result, the OBA filed a complaint under Rule 6 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings for his actions in other jurisdictions. They later filed a separate notice of disciplinary action under Rule 7.7 after discovering the actions in Arkansas and Illinois while investigating Collins’ location. The two matters were consolidated into a single case.
At the hearing, the Trial Panel deemed the allegations against Collins admitted due to his complete lack of participation or response at any point in the proceedings. They found he violated professional conduct rules by failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigations, and for continuing his pattern of neglecting client matters.
In their decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court conducted an independent review and agreed that clear and convincing evidence showed Collins violated rules of conduct and disciplinary proceedings. They determined his actions warranted disbarment rather than a lesser form of discipline like suspension, due to the serious harm to his clients and his lack of participation demonstrating disregard for the authority of the court.
The Disposition states:
“The OBA established by clear and convincing evidence that Collins violated ORPC Rules 8.1 and 8.4(a), and RGDP Rules 1.3, 5.2, and 7.7. This Court disbars Collins from the practice of law.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Collins is a tax attorney in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He acquired his law license in Oklahoma in 1990.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
