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Learn what happens to a written complaint filed against attorneys in Colorado

 

 

 

 
 

Our nation is so dependent on its lawyers, that their ethical problems transform themselves into public difficulties. Put simply: the ethical problems of lawyers are social and political problems for the rest of us . . . It is, indeed, a matter of political concern when a profession —be it medicine, or public administration, or law— has been underregulated, granted too much power and discretion . . . it is a well-known problem that the [attorney] disciplinary system does not work . . . in 1970, a committee of the American Bar Association, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark, described self-regulation as a "scandalous situation," finding that a "substantial number of malefactors" continue to practice law.1 There is little evidence suggesting any notable improvement since then.

 

D. Luban, Lawyers and Justice (Princeton Univ. Press, 1988) at xviii, xxvi.

 

_____________________

1 ABA Special Committee on Evaluation of Disciplinary Enforcement, Problems and Recommendations (1970), the so-called "Clark Report." pp 1, 3.




Are citizen complaints to the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel given any lesser handling than those from attorneys?


Compare the citizen complaints and responses thereto (hereinbelow) to a letter to the OARC from Rocco F. Meconi, a Cañon City attorney who represents the Fremont County Department of Human Services in D&N cases.  Meconi casually inferred unauthorized practice of law by Suzanne Shell from her memorandum to Brad Redmiles (another attorney), threatening to chronicle his position on some then-pending matter. Concluding his rank speculation and innuendo, Meconi wrote, "please feel free to construe this as a complaint."  Meconi also wrote at some length  in his letter about the best interests of, "the child."  Note, however, Meconi was quoted in a February 10, 2005 Westword article as divulging, "I get paid on an hourly basis.  When [Shell]'s involved, we always have contested hearings, and I make a ton of money!"   In response to Meconi's interpretation of Shell's posturing, the OARC commenced an investigation.

 


Memoranda / complaints filed by Mess, Shawn
(In re Greg Quimby)

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

July 16th 2010 memorandum to John Gleason

June 25th 2010 Reply in support of Complaint

July 8th 2010 Response by Stephen R. Fatzinger (re: Greg Quimby)

March 17, 2010 Complaint (in re Greg Quimby)

June 7th 2010 Response by Stephen R. Fatzinger (re: Greg Quimby)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Gollehon, Ron
(In re John D. Fognani)

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

September 10th 2008 Reply in support of Complaint

September 12th 2008 Response of Louise Culberson-Smith

June 7th 2008 complaint

August 21st 2008 Response of Louise Culberson-Smith (re: John D. Fognani)

July 1st 2008 Correspondence from Ben Aisenberg (re: John D. Fognani & Eric Jonsen)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Van Gorder, Rosemarie

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

March 5th go-pound-sand letter by Matt Samuelson (in re George H. Hass)
March 5th go-pound-sand letter by Matt Samuelson (in re David A. Ayraud)
March 5th go-pound-sand letter by Matt Samuelson (in re Linda K. Connors)
March 5th go-pound-sand letter by Matt Samuelson (in re William G. Ressue)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Burneson, James

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

September 22nd 2009 amended complaint (in re Earl James Wilder and Jeffrey Lane)

August 28th 2009 telephone complaint (in re Earl James Wilder and Jeff Lane)

August 31st 2009 go-pound-sand memo by Louise Culberson-Smith

complaint (in re Jeffrey A. Lane)

September 17th 2007 go-pound-sand memo by Louise Culberson-Smith

Memoranda / complaints filed by Maynard, Sunny

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

April 21, 2010 complaint (in re April McMurrey, a/k/a April Seekamp)

April 27, 2010 Response (from Steven K. Jacobsen, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Goodnight, Sharon

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

August 8, 2006 complaint (in re Chris D. Hefty)

August 23rd 2006 go-pound-sand letter by Matthew A. Samuelson

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Kenny, Brian

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

November 22nd 2008 follow-up

November 2008 complaint (in re non-lawyer Steven B. Gimpel)

December 2nd go-pound-sand letter by James C. Coyle
November 19th 2008 Decision

November 12th 2008 Response from James C. Coyle

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Paterson, Elizabeth, Ph.D.

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

November 20, 2008 complaint (in re F. Maria Sinel)

December 09, 2008 response (in re Frances M. Sinel

November 20, 2008 complaint (in re Arthur Porter)

June 01, 2009 response by Luain Hensel (in re Arthur Porter)

May 17, 2009 follow-up (in re Greg Quimby)
January 26, 2008 complaint (in re Greg Quimby)

June 02, 2009 response by Luain Hensel (in re Gregory John Quimby)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Leverett, Blake

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

January 3rd 2010 complaint

January 12th 2010 Go-Pound-Sand memorandum by Matthew Samuelson (re: Mike Luchetta)


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Memoranda / complaints filed by Lewis, Halena

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

May 31st 2002 follow-up/inquiry

July 10th 2002 Response of Louise Culberson-Smith

April 26th 2002 follow-up/inquiry

No Response

March 11th 2002 complaint

March 14th 2002 Response of Louise Culberson-Smith (re: Glenn E. Porzak)

March 14th 2002 Response of Louise Culberson-Smith (re: Victor F. Boog)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Rivenburg, Rhonda

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

 

undated advisory-notice that attorney Nancy J. Hutchinson was suspended for 180 days in a collateral proceeding (Rivernburg’s claims, however, were dismissed)

January 31st 2006 follow-up to phone call complaint

March 28th 2006 Response by Luain T. Hensel, assistant regulation counsel

 

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Mann, Beverly
(In re David R. Gloss)

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

October 23, 2006 reply in support of October 13th telephone complaint

 

 

October 17th 2006 Response by Louis Culberson-Smith to October 13th 2006 Complaint

September 16th 2006 reply in support of complaint to Louise Culberson-Smith

No Response

 

September 14th 2006 memorandum from Louise Culberson-Smith in response to telephone complaint and messages

 

 

Memoranda / complaints filed by Sieverding, Kay

Grievance memoranda

Response

April 28, 2009 Reply in support of complaint (re: Edward W. Nottingham)

Feb. 27, 2009 complaint (re: Edward W. Nottingham)

March 27, 2009 response from John Gleason

March 03, 2009 response from Matthew Samuelson

Sept. 24, 2007 Reply in support of complaint (re: Patricia Elizabeth Wittemyer)

Sept 19, 2007 complaint (re: P. Elizabeth Wittemyer)

Oct. 15, 2007 response from Matthew Samuelson

Sept. 20, 2007 response from Matthew Samuelson

Sept. 15, 2007 complaint (re: Randall Klauzer)

Sept. 6, 2007 complaint (re: Randall Klauzer)

Oct. 15, 2007 response from Matthew Samuelson

Sept. 24, 2007 response from Matthew Samuelson

Nov. 24, 2005 Memorandum to John Gleason

 

Nov. 24, 2005 Complaint (re: Bruce Rohde)

 

Nov. 24, 2005 Complaint (re: P. Eliz. Wittemyer)

 

Nov. 24, 2005 Reply in support of complaint

Nov 1, 2005 Supplement

October 28, 2005 Complaint (re: Charles Turner)

Nov. 22, 2005 response from Matthew Samuelson (re: Charles C. Turner)

Sept. 12, 2005 Complaint (re: Christopher P. Beall)

Sept. 14, 2005 response from Matthew Samuelson

March 26, 2005 Complaint (re: David Brougham)

 

March 23, 2004 complaint (re: James B. Oliphant)

April 14, 2004 response from Matthew Samuelson

April 19, 2003 complaint to John Gleason (re: J.B. Oliphant, David Brougham and Anthony Lettunich)

 

 

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Thorup, Dale Kim

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

February 21st 2006 Affidavit of Thorup (RE: Hal Lohse and Robert Erler)

not applicable

March 19th 2003 memorandum to John Gleason (RE: Hal Lohse)

No Response

January 16th 2003 telephone Complaint (RE: Hal Lohse) /no transcript  available

January 22nd 2003 Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

October 17th 2002 memorandum (RE: Mag. Robert Erler & Herman "Hal" Lohse)

October 22nd 2002 Response from John Gleason

 

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Doe, John

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

February 1st, 2003 Complaint (re: John Gleason)

February 11th 2003 Response from John Gleason

not available

December 23rd 2002 Response from John Gleason

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Memoranda / complaints filed by White, Fleet Russell Jr.

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

January 14, 2002 memorandum of Fleet White, Jr. to Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel

Excerpt from February 15, 2002 response from Ass’t Regulation Counsel Luain T. Hensel

Excerpt from April 6, 1999 memorandum/grievance of Fleet White, Jr. to Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey

Excerpt from April 22, 1999 memorandum of John S. Gleason

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Clements, Charles

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

June 27, 2004 Request for investigation (re: Katherine Grier)

unknown

October 12th 2004 Reply in support of Complaint

unknown

May 20th 2004 complaint regarding Thomas C. Miller (a/k/a Doc Miller)

October 8th 2004 Response from John Gleason

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Gartin, Steve

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

May 19th 2004 Reply in support of complaint (re: Thomas Cecil "Doc" Miller, a/k/a "Doc Miller")

unavailable (disposition: DENIED)

May 14th 2004 Complaint (re: Thomas Cecil "Doc" Miller, a/k/a "Doc Miller")

unavailable (disposition: DENIED)

April 26th 2004 Complaint (re: Thomas Cecil Miller, a/k/a "Doc Miller")

unavailable (disposition: DENIED)

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Brown, Kevin

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

October 20th 2003 Complaint (re: Thomas Cecil "Doc" Miller, a/k/a "Doc Miller")

December 30th 2003 initiation of investigation

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Harrington, Sean (re: Edward W. Nottingham)

And see:

 

Grievance memoranda

Response

Feb. 02, 2010 Inquiry / follow-up

Dec. 11, 2008 Inquiry / follow-up

Nov. 19, 2008 Inquiry / follow-up

Oct. 21, 2008 Inquiry / follow-up

Apr. 01, 2008Complaint (re: Edward W. Nottingham)

Feb. 10, 2010 update
Feb. 9, 2009 update
Jan. 9, 2009 update
Nov. 21, 2008 update
Oct. 28, 2008 memorandum from Louise Culberson-Smith to Nottingham's attorney
Oct. 23, 2008 acknowledgment from Louise Culberson-Smith
April 21, 2008 response from Louise Culberson-Smith

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Memoranda / complaints filed by Harrington, Sean (in re Madeline Wilson)

And see Alan Prendergast, " Attorney regulators love 'egosurfing' critic's website" (The Westword, Dec. 11, 2009)

Grievance memoranda

Response

Mar. 10, 2009 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson), by JT Prada, Todd Gordon, and Sean Harrington

Decision by Frau Louise Culberson-Smith
acknowledgment from Attorney Regulation Czar, John Gleason

Dec. 10, 2009 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson & Brett Huff)

acknowledgment e-mail from Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee Chair, David Stark of Faegre & Benson, LLP

Memorandum of Reference to Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee by clerk of the Colorado Supreme Court, pursuant to the Protocol for Complaints and Concerns approved by the Colorado Supreme Court May 24, 2004

Nov. 27, 2008 exhibit supplement

Nov. 25, 2008 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson & Brett Huff)

Dec. 01, 2008 "Go Pound Sand" letter by Louise Culberson-Smith

July 07, 2008 Request for Reconsideration

July 03, 2008 Supplement 

June 26, 2008 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson) 

July 08, 2008 "Go Pound Sand" letter by Louise Culberson-Smith
July 02, 2008 decision by Louise Culberson-Smith

Oct. 28, 2008 inquiry

Sep. 12, 2008 inquiry

Aug. 14, 2008 inquiry

July 22, 2008 inquiry

May 23, 2008 inquiry 

Apr. 24, 2008 complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No Response

July 02, 2008 Request for Reconsideration

Mar. 21, 2008 Supplement 

Mar. 05, 2008 reply

Feb. 15, 2008 complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

June 26, 2008 decision by Louise Culberson-Smith

Feb. 27, 2008 response from Louise Culberson-Smith

Oct. 4, 2007 Reply to Wilson’s Answer

Sept. 11, 2007 complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

Oct. 16, 2007 Decision by Louise Culberson Smith

Oct. 3, 2007 Answer of Madeline Wilson

Sept. 19th 2007 response from Louise Culberson-Smith

August 10, 2007  Reply (re: Madeline Wilson)

July 21, 2007 complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

July 26th 2007 response from Louise Culberson-Smith

January 19th, 2007 email to Justices Bender & Coates

No response

January 4th 2007 memorandum to Steven Jacobson

No response

December 10th 2006 memorandum to Steven Jacobson, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Committee

December 19th 2006 response from Steven Jacobson

September 22nd 2006 memorandum to Steven Jacobson, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Committee

No response

August 18th 2006 memorandum to Steven Jacobson, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Committee

September 9th 2006 Response from Steven Jacobson

July 28th 2006 memorandum to Colorado Supreme Court Justice Coates

No response

July 28th 2006 memorandum to Colorado Supreme Court Justice Bender

No response

July 21st 2006 Complaint (re: ass’t regulation counsel Louise Culberson-Smith)

August 16th 2006 Response from John Gleason

July 21 2006 email to David Stark, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee

No response

July 21st 2006 email to Alec Rothrock (Chairman, Colorado Bar Assoc. Ethics Committee & Attorney Regulation Policy Committee-member)

No response

July 20th 2006 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson

No response

July 6th 2006 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

March 28th 2006 memorandum to Colorado Supreme Court

No response

March 28th 2006 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

January 23rd 2006 Reply in support of December 16th  Complaint and Complaint (re: ass’t regulation counsel Louise Culberson-Smith)

No response

December 16th 2005 Complaint to Denver County Chief Judge Armatas

January 5th 2006 Response from Judge Armatas
January 10th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

December 8th memorandum to David Stark, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee

No response

December 8th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

September 12th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

August 22nd 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

August 9th 2005 memoranda to David Stark, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee

No response

August 9th 2005 memoranda to John Gleason

No response

July 27th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

July 27th 2005 facsimile of Madeline Wilson to John Gleason (alleging death threat)

Response to Wilson, if any, not made available

July 27th 2005 email to David Stark, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee

No response

July 26th 2005 memorandum to Colorado Supreme Court

September 8th 2005 Response from Colorado Supreme Court Clerk

July 26th 2005 email to David Stark, Chairman, Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee

No response

July 25th 2005 C.R.S. § 14-10-109 C.G.I.A. Claim Notice

July 21st 2005 memorandum of thanks by Madeline Wilson to John Gleason

Response, if any, not made available to Complainant, Sean Harrington

July 20th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

July 12th 2005 memorandum of Madeline Wilson to Louise Culberson-Smith

Response, if any, not made available to Complainant, Sean Harrington

July 12th 2005 memorandum of Madeline Wilson to John Gleason

July 15th 2005 Response from John Gleason (imposing threat of contempt proceedings against Harrington for exercise of First Amendment Petitioning)

July 1st 2005 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

June 14th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

June 16th 2005 Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

May 31st 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

No response

May 15th 2005 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

April 2nd 2005 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

April 25th memorandum (re: April 19th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith)

April 8th 2005 memorandum (re: March 30th response from Louise Culberson-Smith)

April 1st 2005 memorandum (re: March 24th & 28th responses)

March 25th 2005 memorandum  (re: March 22nd response)

March 18th Reply in Support of March 9th Complaint

March 11th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

April 19th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

March 30th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

March 24th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

March 22nd Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

March 10th 2005 memorandum to John Gleason

March 9th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

March 15th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

March 4th 2005 C.R.S. § 14-10-109 C.G.I.A. Claim Notice

March 5th 2005 Reply in Support of February 8th 2005 Complaint

February 8th 2005 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

March 28th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

February 16th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

November 8th 2004 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

August 2nd 2004 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

June 18th 2004 memorandum to John Gleason

No response

June 10th 2004 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

June 15th Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

September 15th 2003 memorandum to John Gleason

September 29th 2003 Response from John Gleason

September 15th 2003 Reply to Louise Culberson-Smith

August 20th 2003 Supplement to August 4th Complaint

August 6th 2003 Supplement to August 4th Complaint

August 4th 2003 Complaint  (re: Madeline Wilson)

August 26th 2003 Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

August 21st 2003 Response from Louise Culberson-Smith

August 21st 2001 Reply to James Coyle

August 15th 2001 Supplement to August 8th Complaint

August 9th 2001 Supplement to August 8th Complaint

August 8th 2001 Complaint (re: Madeline Wilson)

August 21st 2001 Response from James Coyle

August 14th 2001 Response from James Coyle

 

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