Mr. Miller also was placed on probation pending the effective date of his interim suspension.
The suspension will continue in effect until final
disposition of all pending proceedings against
Mr. Miller, unless earlier vacated or modified.
Mr. Miller admitted that he misappropriated
client funds.
is pleased to announce that
MATTHEW J. PIERCE
EDDIE A. PANTILIAT
Bar No. 015231; File No. 11-3213
PDJ No. 2012-9073
After reviewing an agreement for discipline by
consent, the presiding disciplinary judge
entered a judgment and order dated Nov. 14,
2012, in which Eddie A. Pantiliat, Tucson, was
suspended for 30 days effective Dec. 1, 2012.
Mr. Pantiliat also was assessed the costs and
expenses of the disciplinary proceeding, ordered
to pay restitution of $23,700, and upon reinstatement will be required to complete six hours
of continuing legal education on the topics of
reasonable fees, attorney/client relations, and
attorney conduct toward unrepresented parties.
While representing the widow in a wrongful-death case, Mr. Pantiliat collected an unreasonable contingent fee of $30,000 after settling
the case for $100,000 with relatively minimal
effort and without filing suit. Mr. Pantiliat also
dealt with unrepresented parties (two other
statutory wrongful-death claimants) in a negligent manner.
Aggravating factors: dishonest or selfish
motive; multiple offenses; refusal to acknowledge wrongful nature of conduct; vulnerability
of the victim; substantial experience in the
practice of law; and indifference to making restitution.
Mitigating factors: absence of prior discipline; full and free disclosure to a disciplinary
board or cooperative attitude toward proceedings; and character or reputation.
Mr. Pantiliat violated Rule 42, ARIZ.R.S.CT.,
specifically ERs 1. 5(a) and 4. 3.
has become a member of the firm
effective January 2013.
Matt will continue to practice
in construction law and real
estate development.
RICK D. POSTER
Bar No. 018115; File No. 11-3914
PDJ No. 2012-9105
After reviewing an agreement for discipline by
consent, the presiding disciplinary judge entered
a judgment and order dated Nov. 14, 2012, in
which Rick D. Poster, Phoenix, was reprimanded.
Mr. Poster also was assessed the costs and
expenses of the disciplinary proceeding.
While representing a criminal defendant,
Mr. Poster filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice in which he contended that the prosecutor,
judge and court clerk, through “trickery,” withheld information “intentionally” and with
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Nearly 17,000 attorneys are eligible
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