On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Supreme Court of Kentucky ordered an additional 185-day suspension for attorney Richard David Null due to his failure to show cause and his failure to comply with the terms of his probation.
The case is entitled “Richard David Null v. Kentucky Bar Association” with case no. 2022-SC-0422-KB.
The charges cited Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct 3.130(1.3), 3.130(1.4)(a)(3), 1.130(1.4)(a)(4), 3.130(1.6)(a), 3.130(1.15)(a), 3.130(1.16)(d), 3.130(8.1)(a), 3.130(8.1)(b), and 3.130(8.4)(c).
On December 15, 2022, the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued an opinion and order in the case of Null, addressing eight disciplinary actions and imposing a one-year suspension from practicing law, with 180 days served and 185 days probated subject to specific conditions. Subsequently, on April 26, 2023, the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) moved for a show cause order against Null, citing multiple violations of the conditions set forth in his probation. The KBA alleged that Null failed to refund $11,025 in unearned fees to his clients, did not complete the Ethics and Professionalism Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Trust Account Management Program (TAMP), neglected to pay the $558.01 in costs as mandated, and did not notify his current clients and the relevant courts about his suspension, as previously ordered by the court.
On May 19, 2023, the Supreme Court issued an order to show cause, instructing Null to provide reasons within ten days for his non-compliance with the court’s prior order and the KBA’s allegations. Null did not respond or provide any documentation in line with the show-cause order.
In its August 24 order, the Court imposed an additional 185-day suspension for failing to comply with the original order.
The Disposition states:
“In accord with the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. The 185-day suspension, previously probated, is now imposed on Richard Davis Null as a suspension from the practice of law due to his failure to show cause and his failure to comply with the terms of his probation as provided for in this Court’s Opinion and Order dated December 15, 2022. This 185-day suspension is in addition to the 180-day suspension previously imposed by this Court and now constitutes a total suspension of one year, all in conformity with our December 15. 2022 Opinion and Order as modified on March 23, 2023.”
According to lawyerdb.org, Mr. Null attended the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, graduating in 1997. He acquired his law license in Kentucky in 1998.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
