Lawyer Suspended for Four Months Over Meeting With Co-Defendant

A four-month suspension is an appropriate sanction for a Phoenix attorney who had unauthorized contact with her client’s co-defendant because her conduct was not merely negligent, but knowing, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled.

The American Bar Association standards recommend more severe sanctions for intentional or knowing misconduct, Judge William G. Montgomery said.

A disciplinary panel had issued a reprimand against attorney Lise R. Witt, as well as two years’ probation, and ordered her to complete five hours of continuing legal education in ethics each year.

On appeal, Montgomery said, the panel got it wrong when it found Witt’s violations were ...