On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Board, granted the Joint Petition in Support of Discipline on Consent for the suspension of Attorney John William Eddy.
The case is titled ‘Office of the Disciplinary Board v. John William Eddy,’ with case no. 49 DB 2022.
Attorney Eddy’s charges violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15(b), 1.16 (a)(1), 4.1(a), 5.5(a), 5.5(b)(2), 7.1, 8.4(a) Rule of Disciplinary Enforcement 217(d)(1), 217(j), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), 8.4(d), Rule of Disciplinary Enforcement 203(b)(1), 217(d)(1) and 217(j), which provide that:
A lawyer shall hold all funds and property separate from the lawyer’s own property. Such property shall be identified and appropriately safeguarded.
A lawyer shall not represent a client, or where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a client if the representation will result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.
In the course of representing a client, a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person.
A lawyer shall not practice in a jurisdiction in violation of the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction, or assist another in doing so.
A lawyer who is not admitted to practice in this jurisdiction shall not hold out to the public or otherwise represent that the lawyer is admitted to practice in this jurisdiction.
A lawyer shall not make false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer’s services.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assist or include another to do so through the acts of another.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
“Conviction of a crime” is a ground for discipline.
A formerly admitted attorney, after entry of the disbarment, suspension, administrative suspension, or transfer to inactive status order, shall not accept any new retainer or engage as attorney for another in any new case or legal matter of any nature.
A formerly admitted attorney may not engage in any form of law-related activities in this Commonwealth, except in accordance with specified requirements set for in the sub-section of this Rule.
The Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct can be viewed here.
This case is related to disciplinary proceedings against Attorney John William Eddy where he was found to, despite being suspended from the practice of law, represent himself as being able to assist a client. Attorney Eddy requested and received payments from the client for legal services that he did not provide. Eddy also falsely claimed to be working with an attorney named Mike Ford, but they were not partners. Eddy forged Ford’s signature on a continuance request and made false statements to the supposed client regarding the status of her son’s case. He continued to request money from said client under the pretense of providing legal representation in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Attorney Eddy violated the rules of professional conduct by engaging in dishonesty, making false statements, misrepresenting his ability to provide legal services while suspended, forging signatures, and improperly obtaining money from a client.
Factual admissions by Mr. Eddy regarding this case have been noted.
In addition, Attorney Eddy has had other criminal convictions from the theft of client funds, DUI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and wire fraud.
Based on these facts, the Joint Petition in Support of Discipline with Consent was granted by the Supreme Court. Accordingly, Attorney John William Eddy is suspended from practicing law in the Commonwealth for three years. The suspension is retroactive to September 6, 2019. Attorney Eddy is required to comply with the provisions of Pa.R.D.E. 217 and pay costs to the Disciplinary Board.
The disposition reads:
“AND NOW, this 12th day of September 2023, upon consideration of the Recommendation of the Three-Member Panel of the Disciplinary Board, the Joint Petition in Support of Discipline on Consent is granted, and John William Eddy is suspended from the Bar of this Commonwealth for three years. Respondent shall comply with the provisions of Pa.R.D.E. 217 and pay costs to the Disciplinary Board. See Pa.R.D.E. 208(g).”
Attorney John William Eddy is a family attorney practicing in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He acquired his license in Pennsylvania in 2008. His info can be found on Avvo.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
