In a recent disciplinary matter, the Supreme Court of Georgia rejected attorney Paul Jason York’s petition for voluntary discipline. York, who has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since 2014, admitted to violating several rules of professional conduct, including forgery. He forged signatures on a court order to remove an electronic monitoring device from his client’s ankle. Despite entering into a Pretrial Diversion Agreement (PDA) with the district attorney’s office and demonstrating significant recovery from substance abuse and psychological issues, the court decided against accepting his petition for a three-year suspension nunc pro tunc to May 1, 2020. The court expressed concerns about public perception if York were allowed to resume practicing law while his felony charges remain pending under the PDA.
York’s misconduct stemmed from pressure by his client and her supporters and was exacerbated by his substance abuse and psychological problems at the time. Despite showing evidence of recovery and compliance with various conditions outlined in the PDA, the court found it inappropriate to impose the requested suspension retroactively due to ongoing criminal proceedings.
The Special Master had recommended acceptance of York’s petition due to mitigating factors such as no prior disciplinary record, cooperation with proceedings, good character evidence, remorse, and significant recovery efforts. However, the court emphasized that allowing York to practice law before resolving his felony charges would undermine public trust in the legal system.
Source: S24Y0285_IN_THE_MATTER_OF_PAUL_JASON_YORK_Opinion.pdf
