In Re: Allison v. Counsellor Jones [2013] LRSC 32 (20 February 2013)
In Re: Allison v Counsellor Jones [2013] LRSC 32 (20 February 2013)
In Re: Grievance and Ethics Committee Investigative Report on Complaint Filed by Rev. Eric M. Allison against Cllr. Marcus R. Jones
JUDGMENT
When this case was called for hearing, Counselors Emmanuel B. James and Cooper W. Kruah appeared as amici curiae and Counselor Marcus R. Jones appeared pro se.
After a careful examination of the records in the proceedings of the Grievance and Ethics Committee, the position of the Amicus Curiae, and the legal argument presented by Counsellor Marcus R. Jones who represented himself; and after considering the laws controlling, it is hereby
ADJUDGED:
That Counselor Marcus R. Jones did not conduct himself in a professional manner as expected of a lawyer in this jurisdiction while handling the death claim of Rev. Eric M. Allison’s wife; he committed serious ethical and professional misconduct against his client. He mishandled, comingled and misapplied his client’s money, thereby violating Rule 15. Code for the Moral and Ethical Conduct of Lawyers.
Accordingly, the report of the Grievance and Ethics Committee recommending penalty for the ethical transgressions committed by him is indorsed with modifications, however, that Counselor Marcus R. Jones be, and he is hereby suspended from the practice of law directly and indirectly in Liberia for the period of five (5) years. He is ordered to pay the amount ofUS$62,130.00 to Rev. Allison and his children within three months as of the date of the delivery of this opinion, failing which, his suspension will automatically become disbarment.
The Clerk of this Court is ordered to send a mandate to all courts of the Republic informing them of this judgment and to have Counsellor Jones similarly informed of this judgment; to have all of the appropriate authorities informed to ensure compliance with the judgment of this Court and that they will act consistent with law. Costs arc disallowed. It is so ordered.
GIVEN UNDER OUR HANDS AND THE SEAL OF THE SUPRREME COURTT OF LIBERIA THIS 20TH DAY OF FEBRUARY A.D. 2013.