In re Harwood

In re Harwood (2005-123); 178 Vt. 550; 871 A.2d 980

2005 VT 49

[Filed 29-Mar-2005]

                                 ENTRY ORDER

                                 2005 VT 49

                      SUPREME COURT DOCKET NO. 2005-123
  	
                              MARCH TERM, 2005


  In re George Harwood, Esq.	       }	Original Jurisdiction
                                       }
                                       }
       	                               }	Professional Responsibility 
                                       }        Board
                                       }	
                               	       }
                                       }	PRB No. 2005.185



             In the above-entitled cause, the Clerk will enter:

       Disciplinary counsel for the Professional Responsibility Board has
  petitioned the Court for an order immediately suspending respondent George
  Harwood, Esq. from the practice of law pending completion of disciplinary
  proceedings against him.  Following a hearing on the matter on March 29,
  2005, in which respondent was represented by counsel, and having reviewed
  the parties' filings, the Court concludes the evidence sufficiently
  establishes that respondent has violated the Vermont Rules of Professional
  Conduct and presently poses a substantial threat of harm to the public. 
  Therefore, pursuant to Rule 18(B) of Administrative Order 9, the Court
  ORDERS:

    1.  That respondent's license to practice law is immediately
    suspended on an interim basis pending final disposition of the
    disciplinary proceedings that are pending against him;

    2. That respondent shall comply with all of the provisions of Rule
    23 of Administrative Order 9;

    3.  That respondent shall not transfer or cause to be transferred,
    withdraw or cause to be withdrawn, or take any other action that
    affects client funds in the trust, escrow, and bank accounts that
    he maintains without the express approval of a Court of the State
    of Vermont, with advance notice to disciplinary counsel;

    4.  That respondent, at his own expense, shall submit a full
    financial audit of his operating, trust, escrow, closing, and bank
    accounts.  Said audit shall be conducted by a Certified Public
    Accountant chosen by disciplinary counsel;

    5.  That Joseph F. Cahill, Esq. is appointed as trustee to protect
    the interests, financial and otherwise, of respondent's clients.  



                                       FOR THE COURT:



                                       _______________________________________
                                       Paul L. Reiber, Chief Justice

                                       _______________________________________
                                       John A. Dooley, Associate Justice

                                       _______________________________________
                                       Brian L. Burgess, Administrative Judge
                                       Specially Assigned