On Monday, September 23, 2024, the Supreme Court of Indiana suspended attorney Adam M. Warnke for 60 days for several violations of professional conduct rules. 30 days will be actively served, and the remainder stayed subject to completion of at least two years of probation.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Adam M. Warnke,” with case no. 23S-DI-230.
The charges cited Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4(a)(2), 1.4(a)(3), 1.4(a)(4), 1.16(d), 8.1(b), and 8.4(d), which states:
Failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness.
Failing to reasonably consult with a client about the means by which the client’s objectives are to be accomplished.
Failing to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter.
Failing to comply promptly with a client’s reasonable requests for information.
After the termination of representation, failing to protect a client’s interests and to refund an unearned fee.
Knowingly failing to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority.
Engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
The disciplinary case stems from Warnke being retained in February 2019 to complete an adoption for clients. While some initial steps were taken, Warnke failed to meaningfully advance the case over the next 15 months and did not respond to clients’ inquiries.
He eventually filed an adoption petition and amended petition in 2020 but failed to submit the required medical records. This led to the dismissal of the adoption case in March 2021. Warnke also did not notify clients about the dismissal or return unearned fees.
During the Commission’s investigation, Warnke did not cooperate and failed to respond to lawful requests for information. The Court’s order stated Warnke violated numerous rules of professional conduct regarding diligence, communication with clients, termination of representation, and cooperating with disciplinary authorities.
As part of his probation, Warnke must check in with JLAP, authorize information sharing, and avoid further misconduct or rule violations. Failure to comply could result in active service of his entire suspension.
The Disposition states:
“For Respondent’s professional misconduct, the Court suspends Respondent from the practice of law for a period of 60 days, beginning November 4, 2024, with 30 days actively served and the remainder stayed subject to completion of at least two years of probation with monitoring by the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).”
According to martindale.com, Mr. Warnke attended the Indiana University School of Law, graduating in 2000. He acquired his law license in Indiana in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
