On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Sixth District Subcommittee of the Virginia State Bar publicly reprimanded attorney James W. Hilldrup with terms for misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of James W. Hilldrup,” with case no. 24-060-131082.
According to the subcommittee’s determination, in November 2023 Hilldrup was hired by client Tina Cantrell to represent her in a property and business transaction. Cantrell paid Hilldrup a $1,400 advance fee, which he deposited into his law firm’s operating account rather than a client trust account.
In January 2024, Cantrell terminated Hilldrup’s representation and demanded a refund of the advance payment. However, Hilldrup did not respond to Cantrell and she subsequently filed a complaint with the Virginia State Bar. On January 24, 2024, Hilldrup refunded the full $1,400 to Cantrell from his operating account.
The subcommittee found that Hilldrup’s conduct violated rules regarding safekeeping client property by failing to deposit the advance fee into a trust account. He also did not respond to the bar’s investigation of Cantrell’s complaint, violating rules requiring cooperation in disciplinary matters.
As a result, the subcommittee publicly reprimanded Hilldrup and imposed terms that he commit no further misconduct for one year. He must also complete six hours of continuing legal ethics education within six months. If Hilldrup fails to abide by these terms, the District Committee may impose additional sanctions.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Hilldrup is a real estate attorney in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He acquired his law license in Virginia in 1980.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
