Anitha Johnson

Hearing Committee Report (October 22, 2019)

Discipline Imposed: Not yet available.

Board Report and Orders (October 13, 2020)

Discipline Imposed: In re Anitha W. Johnson. Bar No. 495672. October 13, 2020. The Board on Professional Responsibility recommended that the D.C. Court of Appeals disbar Johnson for misconduct in a variety of representations. In a first matter, while retained to represent three adults and two minor children in a civil rights action alleging excessive use of force by police, including the “striking and mishandling” of the two children, Johnson violated Rules 1.1(a) and (b) (competence and skill), 1.3(a) and (c) (lack of diligence, promptness), 1.3(b)(1) and (2) (intentionally failing to seek objectives, intentional prejudice), 1.4(a) and (b) (failing to inform and explain), and 8.4(c) (dishonesty). In a second matter, while retained to represent a client in a divorce proceeding, Johnson violated Rule 1.1(a) and (b) and Rule 1.6(a)(1) (knowingly revealing confidence/secret). In a third matter, while retained to represent a client in a malpractice case, Johnson violated Rules 1.1(a) and (b), 1.3(a) and (c), 1.3(b)(1) and (2), 1.4(a) and (b), 1.15(a) (recordkeeping), and 8.4(c). In a fourth matter, while retained to represent a client in a custody and personal injury matter, Johnson violated Rules 1.2(a) (settling without client’s knowledge or consent); 1.3(b)(1) and (2); 1.3(c); 1.4(a) and (b); 1.4(c) (failing to communicate offer of settlement); 1.5(a)–(c) (fees); 1.15(a); 1.15(c) (failing to promptly notify, deliver, or render accounting of entrusted funds); 1.16(d) (failing to protect client’s interests upon termination); 8.4(c); and 8.4(d) (serious interference with the administration of justice). In addition, the Board’s determination that Johnson engaged in flagrant dishonesty, not only in the underlying disciplinary violations but also in her responses to the disciplinary charges, contributed to the Board’s recommendation of disbarment.