US judge faces disciplinary action for missing pants lawsuit

A US judge who filed a $54m lawsuit against a dry cleaner is facing disciplinary action.

A US district court judge could face disciplinary action for alleged misconduct after he filed a whopping US$54m lawsuit back in 2005, against a dry cleaner, over a missing pair of pants.

Roy L Pearson claimed the cleaners didn’t honour the “satisfaction guarantee” sign that was displayed in the window.  A Superior Court judge ruled against him and the case made national headlines.

According to a report by The Washington Post, a three-person committee for the DC Board on Professional Responsibility found Pearson committed two ethics violations earlier this week, of interfering with the administration of justice and presenting arguments not supported by facts or law.

The committee recommended that Pearson be placed on probation from practice for two years and that he is required to tell any new clients about the case.  He would not be allowed to participate in any more frivolous litigation.

The recommended sanctions will be reviewed by the board and Court of Appeals, meaning the decision could take months.
Pearson denied violating attorney conduct and accused the counsel of a “transparently frivolous effort to interfere with the administration of justice”.

He alleged that the counsel sought to “harass or maliciously injure” him by submitting “144 paragraphs of inflammatory, prejudicial and legally unfounded alleged facts”.  He will have the opportunity to respond when the board makes its recommendation of the DC Court of Appeals.

The bar’s disciplinary counsel did say why it had taken so long to seek sanctions against Pearson but did say there was no excuse for the delay.  “The public, the courts and the Bar deserve better,” he said.
 

Recent articles & video

Thomson Geer confirms role in Bruce Lehrmann defamation suit

New partners join PCL Lawyers in Sydney

Need for DV assistance ticking up, Legal Aid NSW says

Top young stars of Australia's legal profession for 2024 unveiled

Wave of law firm mergers sweeps across the UK despite declining firm numbers

US Justice Department flags Kirkland & Ellis' potential conflict of interest in a bankruptcy case

Most Read Articles

Top young stars of Australia's legal profession for 2024 unveiled

Promotions round beefs up Clyde & Co's Australia partnership

Allens welcomes five new partners

Tech and IP stars join up with Allen & Overy