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Local attorney Grant Goodman had his law license suspended for up to five years following a finding that he habitually exploited “vulnerable” Probate Court clients.
In an order signed yesterday by William O’Neil, the presiding disciplinary judge for the Arizona State Bar, Goodman’s actions are described as potentially harmful to the public and the legal profession if allowed to continue.
Goodman was sanctioned earlier this year for his shady ways, and was the subject of a comprehensive New Times article by Sarah Fenske last year.
His m.o. was to file bizarre court actions against judges, court-appointed guardians and lawyers under the guise of protecting Probate Court clients, then try and rake in the legal fees.
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Click here for the ruling.
UPDATE: Rick DeBruhl, spokesman for the State Bar, sent us a statement on July 25 about the case:
He was not suspended for five years, he was given an interim suspension which is good for up to five years. The interim suspension is designed to prevent the lawyer from practicing law until his or her case can be heard through the discipline process. When that process is concluded, he would then face whatever sanctions came out of the hearing and the interim suspension would be removed. While not exactly rare, an interim suspension is an unusual action and only happens in extreme circumstances.
