DES MOINES – A Spirit Lake lawyer’s license has been suspended for a year after a bout with alcoholism.
According to a finding by the Iowa Supreme Court, James A. Clarity III, who practices law in Dickinson county and Spirit Lake, violated ten rules of professional conduct during his representation of seven clients in five different matters. Clarity stipulated to most of the underlying facts, nine of ten rule violations, and mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
A division of the Grievance Commission of the Supreme Court of Iowa found Clarity violated all ten rules and recommended his license be suspended for three years from May 25, 2012. The Supreme Court found that Clarity violated all ten rules and impose a one-year disciplinary suspension beginning October 18th, 2013.
The court’s opinion states that Mr. Clarity neglected his clients and mishandled their cases and money while struggling with alcoholism, which became worse after his sister died.
“Before his issues with alcoholism, Clarity had an unblemished career and enjoyed a reputation as a zealous advocate for his clients.”
Interesting. If a lawyer is a known drug user, which is illegal
Does that out them at risk for losing there law licenses?
Well in certain situations it should or would. First thing to do is file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office and a Iowa Bar Association has an ethics board also.