On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Supreme Court of New Hampshire issued an order for the summary interim suspension of Attorney Kurt S. Olson, effective immediately. The Attorney Discipline Office (ADO) filed the petition for suspension on January 27, 2026, citing Supreme Court Rule 37(9-B)(a)(1) as grounds for the action.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Kurt S. Olson,” with case no. LD-2026-0003.
The court’s decision is based on allegations that Olson engaged in “serious misconduct” involving the mishandling or misappropriation of client funds, posing a significant threat to the public and the integrity of the legal profession. The ADO alleges that Olson admitted to depositing flat fees, totaling $25,000 and $70,000 from a former client, directly into his operating account before earning them, and subsequently using these funds for personal expenses.
Further allegations include that Olson does not maintain proper accounting records, fails to perform monthly reconciliations, and has filed false trust accounting certificates, violating Supreme Court Rules 50 and 50-A. The petition also asserts violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 1.5 (unreasonable fees), Rule 1.15(a) (separating client property), Rule 1.15(c) (depositing advance fees into a client trust account), and Rule 3.3 (candor to the tribunal).
The court has ordered that Olson be served with the petition and order via certified mail. He is also enjoined from using his IOLTA and operating accounts and from transferring or disposing of any client assets. Olson has until February 3, 2026, to request a hearing to contest the suspension. By February 6, 2026, he must notify his clients of his suspension and inability to practice law, advising them to seek alternative counsel, and file an affidavit confirming compliance by February 27, 2026.
Attorney Andrea Q. Labonte has been appointed to take possession of Olson’s client files and accounts, notify banks and clients of the suspension, inform clients of scheduled hearings, and prepare an inventory of client files by March 16, 2026. The expenses incurred by Attorney Labonte will be paid from the attorney discipline system funds, with potential reimbursement from Olson.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
