06.09.2015 Suspension [Caldwell County]

Photo Courtesy of the North Carolina State Bar

William Wallace Respess, Jr. was suspended from the practice of law for two years on June 9th, 2015 after the State Bar found several violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.  Respess, while representing a client on her divorce, engaged in a sexual relationship with her in violation of Rule 1.19(a).  Respess also made loans to the same client, without informed consent, which involved a concurrent conflict in that such representation may have been materially limited by his personal financial interest in the loans in violation of Rule 1.7(a)(2).  The loans with his client also violated Rule 1.8(a) as a business transaction with a client without informed written consent.  Six months after the effective day of the disciplinary order, Respess will be able to seek stat of the remaining suspension period, and later reinstatement.

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