San Mateo, CA 94401
21 October 2010 | Disbarred (14 years, 6 months ago) Disbarment 09-N-16927 |
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6 May 2010 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (14 years, 12 months ago) Ordered inactive 09-N-16927 |
8 January 2010 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (15 years, 3 months ago) Ordered inactive 09-N-16927 |
21 August 2009 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (15 years, 8 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 07-O-14169 |
2 October 2008 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (16 years, 7 months ago) Ordered inactive 07-O-14169 |
29 July 2008 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 07-O-14169 (16 years, 9 months ago) |
10 June 1982 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (42 years, 11 months ago) |
October 21, 2010 WAYNE BUNCH [#103093], 63, of San Mateo was disbarred Oct. 21, 2010, and was ordered to comply with rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court. In a default proceeding, the State Bar Court determined that Bunch did not comply with rule 9.20, as ordered in a 2009 discipline. He did not file with the court an affidavit stating that he notified his clients, opposing counsel and other pertinent parties of his suspension. Failure to comply with rule 9.20 is grounds for disbarment.The underlying discipline was imposed for Bunch’s failure to perform legal services competently, communicate with a client, account for funds or cooperate with the bar’s investigation, and he improperly withdrew from employment and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.In recommending his disbarment, Judge Pat McElroy said Bunch’s “unexplained failure to file a rule 9.20(c) compliance affidavit strongly suggests a conscious disregard for this court’s and the Supreme Court’s efforts to fulfill their respective responsibilities to oversee the practice of law in the State of California.â€July 21, 2009 WAYNE BUNCH [#103093], 62, of San Mateo was suspended for two years, stayed, with an actual 120-day suspension and until the State Bar Court grants a motion to terminate the suspension, and he was ordered to take the MPRE and comply with rule 9.20. If the actual suspension exceeds two years, he must prove his rehabilitation. The order took effect July 21, 2009. In a default proceeding, the State Bar Court found that Bunch committed nine acts of misconduct, including failing to perform with competence, account for client funds or refund unearned fees. His client had hired an automotive repair company to restore his 1957 Chevrolet Nomad but believed the workmanship was of poor quality.Bunch never provided a fee agreement despite his client’s repeated requests; however, they agreed on a 30 percent contingency fee, and later the client agreed to pay Bunch $175 per hour. He never received any itemized bills.Although Bunch filed suit and appeared at a case management conference, he subsequently did not file a case management statement or proof of service. He appeared at subsequent hearings and at a deposition, but did not attend an arbitration hearing where the client represented himself. The arbitrator ruled against him.The client hired a new lawyer, but Bunch did not provide the file, itemize a bill, sign a substitution form or notify the court of his withdrawal from the case. He also did not notify his client, the court or any other parties that he was suspended for six weeks for failing to pay child support.In mitigation, he had no discipline record in 24 years of practice. |