THESE NOTICES OF THE IMPOSITION OF DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS are published pursuant to Rule 3.5(c) of the Washington Supreme Court Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct. Active links to directory listings, RPC definitions, and documents related to the disciplinary matter can be found at the links below or by looking up the respondent in the legal directory on the WSBA website (www.wsba.org) and then scrolling down to “Discipline History.”
As some WSBA members share the same or similar names, please read all disciplinary notices carefully for names, cities, and bar numbers.
. . .
Suspended
Robert Jerry Van Idour (WSBA No. 9701210) of Lewiston, ID, was suspended for 18 months, effective 9/14/2021, by order of the Washington Supreme Court. Van Idour’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 5.5 (Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law).
In relation to his representation of over 100 clients in Asotin County Superior Court under an indigent defense contract, Van Idour stipulated to a suspension for practicing law in Washington without authorization.
Benjamin J. Attanasio acted as disciplinary counsel. Kevin M. Bank represented Respondent. Donald William Carter was the hearing officer. Andre M. Penalver was the settlement hearing officer. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Disciplinary Board Order Conditionally Approving Stipulation; Joint Consent Under ELC 9.1(e)(d); Stipulation to Suspension; and Washington Supreme Court Order.
Reprimanded
Rick J. Wathen (WSBA No. 25539, admitted 1995) of Seattle, was reprimanded, effective 8/13/2021, by order of the hearing officer. Wathen’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients), 8.4(c) (Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (Prejudicial to the Admin of Justice).
In relation to his representation of client A in pursuing collections against person B related to a joint property agreement involving certain real property in Seattle, Wathen stipulated to a reprimand for: 1) his negligent conduct in obtaining an amended judgment order and judgment in which he included in his declaration an incomplete spreadsheet as an exhibit and in which the order exceeded the relief requested in the complaint; 2) his negligent conduct relating to and following his representations to the court regarding person B’s attempt to redeem Parcel B in which he failed to honor his promise in court to allow person B five additional days to redeem; and 3) negligently representing client A when there was a conflict of interest regarding liability for violations of CR 11.
Jonathan Burke and Kathy Jo Blake acted as disciplinary counsel. Jeffrey Paul Downer and Kyle Rekofke represented Respondent. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Order Approving Stipulation to Reprimand; Stipulation to Reprimand; and Notice of Reprimand.
. . .
Tom Youngjohn (WSBA No. 24170, admitted 1994) of Federal Way, was reprimanded, effective 8/06/2021, by order of the hearing officer. Youngjohn’s conduct violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients), 1.8 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules), 8.4(a) (Attempt, Assist or Induce).
In relation to his representation of a client in an immigration matter, Youngjohn stipulated to a reprimand for making sexual comments and extending sexual invitations to the client.
Sachia Stonefeld Powell acted as disciplinary counsel. Anne I. Seidel represented Respondent. The online version of Washington State Bar News contains links to the following documents: Order on Stipulation to Reprimand; Stipulation to Reprimand; and Notice of Reprimand.