On Friday, May 5, 2023, the Supreme Court of Washington ordered the disbarment of attorney Robin Lynn Haynes for misconduct. The case is entitled “In the Matter of Robin Lynn Haynes,” with case no. 202098-4.

The charges cited Smith’s violation of Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct (IRPC) 8.4(c) and (d) which state:

Engaging in conduct involving misrepresentations.

Engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.

The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.

The case stemmed from allegations that the respondent was charging expenses to two law firms with whom she was employed as well as to Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) with whom she was volunteering. The respondent was alleged to have committed five counts of theft by Spokane County prosecutors, including one count of first-degree theft, one count of first-degree identity theft, and three counts of second-degree theft. She was accused of stealing over $3,800 from her former law firm McNeice Wheeler PLLC by unlawfully obtaining a copy of the firm’s credit card and transferring her former partner’s financial identity on 18 separate occasions. She was also accused of stealing almost $3,200 from another former law firm Witherspoon Kelley by retaining bar association reimbursements that were due to the firm.

The filing states:

“She charged some WSBA-related volunteer expenses to one law firm’s credit card without prior authorization from the law firm and failed to promptly notify and reimburse the law firm when she received direct reimbursement from the WSBA for those expenses. She also failed to promptly notify and reimburse the second law firm for WSBA-related and other personal expenses and failed to properly account to the WSBA for duplicate reimbursements she received and for reimbursements for meetings and conferences she was unable to attend.”

On January 18, 2023, the Supreme Court of Idaho ruled against Ms. Haynes, suspending her from the practice of law for a period of five years, with two years of suspension withheld. The Supreme Court of Washington then decided to disbar Robin Lyn Haynes from the practice of law in the state on May 5, 2023. This was a reciprocal discipline order based on the action of the Supreme Court of the State of Idaho.

The Disposition states:

“The WSBA’s motion for disbarment is granted and Robin Lynn Haynesisherebydisbarredfrom the practice of law in the State of Washington. Pursuant to ELC 13.2, the effective date of disbarment is seven days from the date of this order.”

As of today, attorney Haynes is listed in the law firm Giant Legal as a founding attorney. She attended the Gonzaga University School of Law, graduating in 2006. She practices in Idaho and Washington. Her info can be found on avvo.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.