William Jestus Middleton was admitted to the California Bar 29th November 1979, but is now resigned. William graduated from Columbia University SOL.

Lawyer Information

NameWilliam Jestus Middleton
First Admitted29 November 1979 (45 years, 5 months ago)
StatusResigned
Bar Number89728

Contact

Current Email[email protected]
Phone Number213-880-8387
Fax Number213-403-5522

Schools

Law SchoolColumbia University SOL (New York NY)
Undergraduate SchoolSan Francisco State Unv (San Francisco CA)

Address

Current Address115 E Palm St
Altadena, CA 91001
Map

History

21 July 2007Resigned (17 years, 9 months ago)
Resignation with charges pending 07-Q-11615
27 April 2007Not eligible to practice law in CA (18 years ago)
Vol.inactive(tender of resign.w/charges) 07-Q-11615
18 September 2006Not eligible to practice law in CA (18 years, 7 months ago)
Suspended, failed to pay fees
18 September 2006Not eligible to practice law in CA (18 years, 7 months ago)
Admin Inactive/MCLE noncompliance
8 September 2006Not eligible to practice law in CA (18 years, 8 months ago)
Suspended, failed to pass Prof.Resp.Exam 02-O-10423
28 July 2005Discipline, probation; no actual susp. 02-O-10423 (19 years, 9 months ago)
12 January 2004Active (21 years, 3 months ago)
16 September 2003Not eligible to practice law in CA (21 years, 7 months ago)
Suspended, failed to pay fees
1 October 2002Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 02-O-10423 (22 years, 7 months ago)
24 January 2000Active (25 years, 3 months ago)
27 September 1999Not eligible to practice law in CA (25 years, 7 months ago)
Suspended, failed to pay fees
9 July 1984Active (40 years, 10 months ago)
9 July 1984Not eligible to practice law in CA (40 years, 10 months ago)
29 November 1979Admitted to the State Bar of California (45 years, 5 months ago)

Discipline Summaries

July 28, 2005

WILLIAM JESTUS MIDDLETON [#89728], 64, of Los Angeles was suspended for one year, stayed, placed on two years of probation and was ordered to take the MPRE within one year. The order took effect July 28, 2005.

Middleton stipulated to one count of failing to perform legal services competently.

He entered into an agreement with an individual named Ivan Goldstein to provide office management services. Goldstein mailed letters to clients of another lawyer with whom he had previously worked, indicating that the letters came from Middleton. The letters told recipients that Goldstein had previously supervised their claims and that, if the client wished the relationship to continue, he or she should sign the enclosed forms. The forms were “dismissal of attorney” and “substitution of attorney” forms and were sent to 19 clients.

The other lawyer contacted Middleton, said Goldstein had contacted his clients and asked Middleton to cease and desist. He also asked for a return of all documents “removed from our office upon the departure of Mr. Goldstein.”

Middleton responded that the letters were “done and we can’t reverse it. So let’s stop talking about it.”

He stipulated that he failed to perform legal services competently by not supervising Goldstein, preventing him from sending letters to people already represented by counsel or taking corrective action after the letters were sent, and by failing to inquire where clients retaining his office were coming from.

In mitigation, he has no prior record of discipline.