FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2011
Contact: Rick DeBruhl
Phone: 602.340.7335, Mobile: 602.513.6385
Email: rick.debruhl@staff.azbar.org
Attorney Suspended for Suspected Abuse of Judicial System and
PHOENIX- The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court
of Arizona has temporarily suspended Phoenix attorney Grant H.
Goodman. The Hon. William J. O'Neil entered a temporary
restraining order enjoining Goodman from practicing law while the
Arizona Supreme Court considers Judge O'Neil's recommendation that
Goodman be placed on Interim Suspension.
The State Bar filed a motion for interim suspension which
describes a pattern of conduct of exploitation of vulnerable
individuals and conduct that resulted in multiple sanctions against
Goodman by various courts. The motion was supported by the
affidavits of several judges and one of the vulnerable individual's
current guardian.
In September 2009, the United States Bankruptcy Court issued a
prospective injunction prohibiting Goodman from filing claims
relating to Goodman and Goodman's companies unless he first
obtained the bankruptcy court's approval for pursuing such
claims. In March 2011, the United States District Court in
Arizona found that while representing a corporate client, Goodman
demonstrated a pattern of misrepresentation to both the court and
opposing counsel. In May 2011, the Arizona Superior Court in
Maricopa County sanctioned Goodman for "an on-going pattern of
abuse of the judicial process designed . . . to harass and
intimidate." Each of the cases cited in Judge Peter J.
Cahill's May 2011 Order involved a guardianship or conservatorship
in Arizona's probate system.
Judge O'Neill's recommendation to the Arizona Supreme Court
indicates a concern that Goodman's conduct poses a threat of
substantial harm, loss or damage to the public, the legal
profession or the administration of justice.
The temporary suspension became effective July 21, 2011.
If the Arizona Supreme Court grants the suspension, it would
continue in force until final disposition of all pending
proceedings against Goodman. Goodman is not allowed to
practice law during his suspension.
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.
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