Opinion
No. 137, 2017
03-29-2017
IN THE MATTER OF A MEMBER OF THE BAR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE: JOHN M. WILLARD, Petitioner.
Board Case Nos. 112258-B and 112364-B Before STRINE, Chief Justice; VAUGHN, and SEITZ, Justices. ORDER
This 29th day of March 2017, upon receipt of sufficient evidence demonstrating that John M. Willard, Esquire ("the Petitioner") is suffering from physical or mental health problems that adversely affect his ability to practice law, and without opposition from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("the ODC"), it is HEREBY ORDERED that:
(1) The Petitioner, for good cause shown, is hereby immediately transferred to disability inactive status under Rule 19 of the Delaware Lawyers' Rules of Disciplinary Procedure ("DLRPC") until such time that he can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that any disabilities have been removed.
(2) The Petitioner shall not practice law in this State or in any other jurisdiction.
(3) The ODC shall file a petition in the Court of Chancery for the appointment of a Receiver of the Petitioner's law practice under Rule 24 of the DLRPC, and the Receiver shall provide notice to clients, adverse parties, and others as required by Rule 23.
(4) The Receiver shall make such arrangements as may be necessary to protect the interests of any of the Petitioner's clients and the public. The Petitioner shall cooperate in all respects with the Receiver, including providing the Receiver with all of the Petitioner's law office books and records.
(5) Any pending disciplinary proceedings against the Petitioner are stayed pending further order of this Court.
(6) This Order shall be made public.
BY THE COURT:
/s/ Collins J . Seitz. Jr.
Justice