On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court disbarred attorney John M. Kerr, retroactively effective to July 11, 2019. The disbarment stems from a series of ethical violations related to the mismanagement of client funds and failure to maintain proper financial records.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John M. Kerr,” with case number 106 DB 2019.
The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in its report and recommendations, outlined a pattern of misconduct by Kerr spanning from January 2017 through June 2019. During this period, Kerr misappropriated entrusted funds and failed to maintain records compliant with Rule of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.15(c). The board’s investigation revealed that Kerr’s Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) was out of trust in amounts ranging from $4,695.21 to $73,346.21.
Kerr admitted to deficiencies in client accounts and violations of RPC 1.15(b), acknowledging the use of client funds for inappropriate purposes, including covering business costs and benefiting other clients. Specifically, on December 31, 2016, Kerr’s IOLTA balance was $17,691.46 less than the amount he should have held in escrow for clients Dr. David Streisfeld and Dolph Pinkerman/G2 Deisel.
Between February 2017 and September 2018, Kerr transferred or withdrew $122,738.00 from his IOLTA. These transactions included transfers to his operating account, cash withdrawals, and transfers to personal and payroll accounts. Several of these accounts had negative balances at the time of the transfers.
In addition to misappropriating funds, Kerr deposited personal funds into his IOLTA on multiple occasions, totaling $130,063.94, for purposes other than paying service charges. These deposits included loans from his son and funds from his wife’s retirement account.
The Disciplinary Board also found that Kerr failed to provide the requested records demonstrating his entitlement to funds, violating RPC 1.15(c). Kerr admitted to failing to maintain records and complete monthly reconciliations before April 2019, and acknowledged his obligation to understand IOLTA accounting rules.
Further complicating matters, Kerr deposited a $1,500.00 retainer fee from Essis & Sons into his operating account instead of his IOLTA. When he later issued a refund to Essis & Sons from his IOLTA, he used other client funds to cover the check.
The Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security adjudicated ten claims against Kerr, resulting in awards totaling $38,834.59. These awards were based on Kerr’s dishonest conduct in wrongfully taking funds entrusted to him by his clients.
Kerr was initially placed on temporary suspension on August 10, 2019, and directed to comply with Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement (Pa.R.D.E.) 217. However, he failed to provide complete records as required and admitted that he had not fully complied with Pa.R.D.E. 217.
In its recommendation, the Disciplinary Board cited Kerr’s prior disbarment in 1988 for criminal conduct as an aggravating factor. The board also noted Kerr’s lack of remorse and failure to accept full responsibility for his actions. While Kerr testified that he provided pro bono services and was involved in the Cumberland County Bar Association, the board found that these factors did not outweigh the need for substantial discipline.
The Supreme Court’s order mandates that Kerr comply with Pa.R.D.E. 217 and pay the costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings.
According to Avvo, Mr. Kerr was a divorce and separation lawyer in Lemoyne, PA. He acquired his law license in Pennsylvania in 1977.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
