44ag/11 - Maryland Courts

clients.
We agree that Chapman’s conduct is similar to that of the attorneys in the cases cited
by Bar Counsel, in that similar, although not identical, Rules were violated. Their similarity
supports the imposition of an indefinite suspension with the right to reapply in 90 days in the
instant case, especially in light of the mitigation found by the hearing judge. In each of those
cases cited by Bar Counsel, the errant attorneys failed to adequately supervise those
performing work for them, to the detriment of their clients. Moreover, Brennan involved not
only an attorney who split fees with a non-lawyer but also nearly identical Rules violations,
and, as Bar Counsel stated in his recommendation for sanction, “Respondent’s conduct was
analogous to that of Mr. Brennan.” We believe, as a result, that the appropriate sanction in
this case is an indefinite suspension with the right to reapply after 90 days.
IT IS SO ORDERED; RESPONDENT SHALL
PAY ALL COSTS AS TAXED BY THE CLERK
OF THIS COURT, INCLUDING THE COSTS
OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS, PURSUANT TO
MARYLAND RULE 16-761, FOR WHICH SUM
JUDGMENT IS ENTERED IN FAVOR OF THE
ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION
AGAINST GERALD FREDERICK CHAPMAN.
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