On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona suspended attorney David Lee Goldfarb for repeated inappropriate and sexual conduct with a client.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of David Lee Goldfarb,” with case no. 2023-9052.
In a stipulation for interim suspension dated June 29, 2023, it was indicated that the parties, including David Lee Goldfarb and the State Bar of Arizona, had reached an agreement for an order placing Goldfarb on interim suspension. Goldfarb admitted to participating in conduct that had resulted in significant harm to his clients and inflicted damage upon the reputation of the legal profession. His recurrent instances of inappropriate and sexual behavior with a client had sparked doubts about his suitability to continue practicing law. Moreover, State Bar screening investigations were in progress to probe potential additional instances of misconduct.
The stipulation states:
“Respondent’s intentionally inappropriate conduct with clients demonstrates a serious disregard for the ethical rules that create concerns about his fitness to practice without further injuring the public.”
The letter states:
“Ms. X’s representation began in about 2016. In either May 2017 or 2018, Mr. Goldfarb’s attorney-client relationship became *’friéndly” in that they began to discuss Mr. Goldfarb’s own personal life, He believed they were similar in their approach to things happening in their life, and this caused a bond to form. Eventually, they engaged in consensual oral sex two times over the times that Mr. Goldfaib represented her. They also engaged in video chats and text messages of a sexual nature.”
Concerning Goldfarb’s alleged misconduct, the involved parties have jointly petitioned for an interim suspension to commence on July 21, 2023. This preemptive measure is aimed at mitigating the potential for immediate and considerable harm to the public, especially if Goldfarb were to persist in practicing law prior to undergoing a formal disciplinary hearing. The intention behind this request is to prioritize public safety and the integrity of the legal profession while the allegations against Goldfarb are thoroughly assessed and addressed.
The Supreme Court of Arizona approved the stipulation and suspended Goldfarb.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS ORDERED that David Lee Goldfarb, Bar No. 023230, is placed on interim suspension, effective July 21, 2023. This order shall continue in force until the final disposition of all pending discipline proceedings against Mr. Goldfarb unless vacated or modified. See Rule 61(d).”
Mr. Goldfarb attended the University of Miami School of Law, graduating in 1998. He practices in Phoenix, Arizona. He was licensed in Arizona. His info can be found on martindale.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
