FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2010
Contact: Rick DeBruhl, Chief Communications Officer
Phone: (602) 340-7335, Mobile: (602) 513-6385
Email: rick.debruhl@staff.azbar.org
Attorney Suspended For Violating Attorney-Client Relationship
PHOENIX - The Supreme Court of Arizona has
ordered that Chester R. Lockwood be suspended from the practice of
law for six months - retroactive to Mar. 8, 2010 - for conduct in
violation of his duties and obligations as an attorney.
The State Bar of Arizona conducted its investigation after
Lockwood self-reported his misconduct. The Hearing Officer found
that he violated multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional
Conduct that included: Confidentiality of Information, Conflict of
Interest, and Duties to Former Clients.
Mr. Lockwood engaged in an inappropriate intimate relationship
with a client he was representing. During this time, he learned of
certain negative facts about her substance abuse, which he later
used against her when he attempted to secure custody of her
child.
The case did not go to trial, but rather was settled by an
agreement to discipline by consent.
The six-month suspension is retroactive to Mar. 8, 2010, when
Mr. Lockwood voluntarily placed himself on inactive status.
Mr. Lockwood is required to serve one year of probation from the
date of the order issued by the Supreme Court of Arizona, Oct. 27,
2010. He will submit to a one-time assessment with the State Bar's
Member Assistance Program (MAP) that will determine his need for
any services or assistance. If deemed necessary, the director of
MAP will develop "Terms and Conditions of Probation" that shall be
incorporated by reference.
In addition, Mr. Lockwood is required to pay all costs and
expenses incurred in this matter by the State Bar of Arizona, the
Disciplinary Commission, the Supreme Court, and the Disciplinary
Clerk's Office.
About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,000 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.
# # #