Iowa Lawyers Face Growing Disciplinary Actions for Misconduct

News Summary

Iowa’s legal landscape is facing scrutiny as multiple attorneys encounter disciplinary actions due to neglect, misconduct, and poor recordkeeping. High-profile cases reveal severe violations, leading to suspensions and potential disbarments. As the Iowa Judicial Branch emphasizes ethical practices, these incidents highlight the need for greater accountability within the legal profession, affecting public trust and the integrity of justice in the state.

Mounting Disciplinary Actions Plague Iowa Attorneys

In the heart of Iowa’s judicial realm, a troubling trend of neglect and misconduct among attorneys is coming to light, raising serious concerns about the integrity of legal practice in the state. The Iowa Judicial Branch’s mission emphasizes the importance of providing fair and accessible forums for justice. However, recent events suggest that some members of the bar are straying far from these principles.

Matthew M. Boles: A Pattern of Neglect

Matthew M. Boles, an attorney based in Des Moines, has captured the attention of the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board yet again, facing significant sanctions for the third time in his career. Boles is accused of exhibiting a disturbing pattern of severe neglect and deficient recordkeeping, which ultimately led him to retain unearned fees from his clients. In a particularly egregious case, Boles secured a hefty $1.3 million settlement for a client injured in a boating accident. However, he failed to maintain open lines of communication regarding the distribution of those settlement funds.

Despite the victory, Boles retained $47,586 more than his contingency-fee agreement dictated while concurrently making undisclosed payments to Medicaid on behalf of his client. The Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board has proposed a harsh 18-month suspension, citing Boles’ troubling history with trust accounting issues. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the Iowa Supreme Court opted for a six-month suspension, leaving many questioning the lack of explanation behind such a lenient verdict.

Travis Armbrust: A Legacy of Neglect

Additionally, the case of Travis Armbrust, another attorney with a troubling record, has surfaced. Armbrust received a 30-day suspension stemming from severe neglect in multiple appellate cases. With 18 default notices spanning 11 cases, his record reflects a pattern of poor communication and failure to meet crucial appellate deadlines. Despite previous reprimands for similar issues, Armbrust’s continued violations signal a persistent disregard for the responsibilities of legal representation. His suspension commenced on September 27, 2024, with uncertainty surrounding his potential application for reinstatement.

David Leitner: Facing Disbarment

In stark contrast, 67-year-old attorney David Leitner is now facing potential disbarment after a state commission discovered multiple ethical violations. Accusations against Leitner include dishonest conduct and the mismanagement of client funds. In light of these findings, the commission has recommended permanent revocation of his legal license, underscoring the need to safeguard the reputation of the legal profession. Leitner has had notable clients, including restaurateur Steve McFadden, but his legal troubles now overshadow his previous work.

Ta-Yu Yang: Struggles with Trust Accounting

Another attorney embroiled in controversy is Ta-Yu Yang, a Des Moines immigration lawyer. Yang is currently facing a potential 60-day suspension following a slew of past disciplinary actions, including severe violations concerning his trust accounts. An audit revealed discrepancies, specifically an overdrawn trust account in 2021, alongside accusations of false statements regarding its management. The Grievance Commission has noted that Yang has failed to adequately address these ongoing issues, noting a lack of a credible plan for rectifying his recordkeeping practices.

If sanctioned, Yang will only be permitted to practice law after completing an educational course on trust accounting and employing a bookkeeper to ensure compliance with state regulations. The consequences of this situation highlight a troubling reality in Iowa’s legal landscape, as attorneys grapple with accountability and the ethical standards required for effective legal practice.

A Call for Accountability

The rise in disciplinary actions against attorneys in Iowa serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to ethical standards within the legal profession. As the Iowa Judicial Branch aims to foster a fair legal environment, these cases underscore the pressing need for increased scrutiny and greater accountability among lawyers. The integrity of the legal system relies on the commitment of its members to uphold justice and operate within established guidelines. Failure to do so not only tarnishes individual reputations but also jeopardizes public trust in the judiciary.

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Additional Resources

• Iowa Capital Dispatch: Matthew M. Boles Sanctioned
• Wikipedia: Lawyer Discipline
• Iowa Capital Dispatch: Travis Armbrust Sanctioned
• Google Search: Iowa Attorney Discipline
• Iowa Capital Dispatch: David Leitner Potential Disbarment
• Google Scholar: Legal Ethics
• Iowa Capital Dispatch: Ta-Yu Yang Ethics Violations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Ethics
• Iowa Capital Dispatch
• Google News: Iowa Legal News