PHOENIX AZ (April 4, 2012) – Lawyers Chad J. White of Tucson and David J. Wolf of Phoenix have been suspended from the practice of law for violating the Rules of Professional Conduct.

In the matter of Chad J. White, a two-year suspension was ordered by the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court, resulting from a consent agreement between White and the State Bar of Arizona. The State Bar’s investigation found that White knowingly consumed alcohol after being conditionally admitted to practice law, a violation of his Member Assistance Program (MAP) terms and conditions. His conduct had the potential of causing injury to the public and called into question the reputation of the legal profession.

White’s suspension is retroactive to November 14, 2011, the date he was placed on interim suspension. If reinstated to the practice of law, White will be placed on probation for two years. He was also ordered to pay $1,200 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expenses incurred during its investigation.

In the matter of David J. Wolf, a one-year suspension was ordered by the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court. The suspension was a result of the consent agreement between Wolf and the State Bar of Arizona.

In a three-count complaint, David J. Wolf was alleged to have violated several Rules of Professional Conduct. In count one, Wolf was contracted to represent a capital murder defendant as Knapp counsel for a flat fee, earned upon receipt. Wolf withdrew as counsel prior to the trial but kept the entire fee. Due to lack of adequate staff supervision, Wolf was not aware that he, rather than another attorney, was counsel of record and failed to timely withdraw as counsel.

In count two, Wolf failed to act diligently on behalf of a criminal defendant client or communicate adequately with him. He charged an unreasonable flat fee, earned upon receipt, for a case that was dismissed very early with little or no action by him. However, Wolf did make restitution to the client during the disciplinary proceedings.

In count three, Wolf plead guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs (methamphetamine) and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement for possession of illegal drugs (cocaine). In addition, Wolf violated Rules relating to the termination of services in both count one and count two by failing to include a refund stipulation in his fee agreement.

Wolf’s suspension is retroactive to November 18, 2011, the date he voluntarily went on inactive status. Upon reinstatement, he will be placed on probation for two years with Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) and Member Assistance Program (MAP) terms to be determined at that time. He was also ordered to pay $1,255.74 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expenses incurred during its investigation.

The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,900 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.

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