$225K Law School Theft Scheme Costs Attorney His License

We’ve covered some very cool law school side hustles — raking in six figures as a “Jeopardy!” contestant is a personal favorite. That isn’t the only way to rake in six figures as a student though. An attorney found a way to skim hundreds of thousands of dollars while he was still a law student. It just cost him his license. Court News Ohio has coverage:

The Supreme Court of Ohio today permanently disbarred a Gallia County attorney who was convicted of theft after stealing more than $225,000 from an estate he administered.

Nathan Harvey was a legal assistant attending law school when attorney Britt Wiseman arranged for Harvey to serve as the administrator of an estate. Shortly after opening a bank account for the estate, Harvey immediately began stealing from it. Wiseman later discovered the theft and reported Harvey’s actions to disciplinary authorities.
…
Writing for the Supreme Court majority, Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy stated that Harvey’s case is a first for Ohio, “and a disturbing case of first impression it is: a law student who put into action a theft scheme to misappropriate client funds for two years and eight months and did not get caught until” after he was certified as a legal intern and admitted to practice law.

The disbarment was a corrective measure. Harvey was previously sentenced to 60 months of community control and had his license indefinitely suspended, but the severity of his abuse of client trust deserved a harsher sentence. You don’t hear about someone ruining their legal career before they start it every day. Fun fact: after law school, Harvey went on to become an assistant prosecutor. Call me crazy, but if I knew I stole six figures from someone, I’d be doing my damndest to stay as far away from that office as possible. Goes to show that thinking like a lawyer doesn’t require common sense.

For every hopeful going to law school with the express purpose of earning money, this is not the way to do it.

Court Disbars Attorney Who Stole $225,000 From Client’s Estate [Court News Ohio]

Chris Williams became a social media manager and assistant editor for Above the Law in June 2021. Prior to joining the staff, he moonlighted as a minor Memelord™ in the Facebook group Law School Memes for Edgy T14s . He endured Missouri long enough to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is a former boat builder who is learning to swim and is interested in rhetoric, Spinozists and humor. Getting back in to cycling wouldn’t hurt either. You can reach him by email at christopherrashadwilliams@gmail.com and by Tweet/Bluesky at @WritesForRent.

The post $225K Law School Theft Scheme Costs Attorney His License appeared first on Above the Law.

Reach Out

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your specific needs. Our team is ready and eager to provide you with tailored solutions that align with your firm’s goals and enhance your digital marketing efforts. We look forward to helping you grow your law practice online.

Our Services:

Blog Post Writing

We do well-researched, timely, and engaging blog posts that resonate with your clientele, positioning you as a thought leader in your domain. Content Writing: Beyond blogs, we delve into comprehensive content pieces like eBooks, whitepapers, and case studies, tailored to showcase your expertise.

Website Content Writing

First impressions matter. Our content ensures your website reflects the professionalism, dedication, and expertise you bring to the table.

Social Media Management

In today’s interconnected world, your online presence extends to social platforms. We help you navigate this terrain, ensuring your voice is consistently represented and heard.

WordPress Website Maintenance

Your digital office should be as polished and functional as your physical one. We ensure your WordPress site remains updated, secure, and user-friendly.

For more information, ad placements in our attorney blog network, article requests, social media management, or listings on our top 10 attorney sites, reach out to us at seoattorneyservices@gmail.com.

Warm regards,