3.7.16 Disbarred [Wake County]

Photo Courtesy of the North Carolina State Bar

On March 7, 2016, Robert E. Griffin was disbarred by the North Carolina State Bar.  Griffin was a practicing lawyer in Fuquay-Varina when he was suspended by the Bar on August 22, 2014 for three years.  He was originally suspended for failing to communicate with clients, failing to act with due diligence in representation of clients, and for misappropriating client funds.  Only 7 days after receiving notice of his suspension, Griffin was hired by a client to represent him in a divorce proceeding, for which he was paid $1,500.  Griffin deposited the client funds, and notified him weeks later that his office was closing due to his suspension and that he was transferring the client’s file to another lawyer. Griffin never transferred or refunded the $1,500 after the client requested a full refund twice.  The fee was finally refunded after a petition was filed with the State Bar.  Due to his repeat misconduct, Griffin was disbarred.

Trouble viewing? Click here to download the order (PDF, 264KB).