in the Matter of Richard v. Merritt

302 Ga. 874

Opinion

302 Ga. 874 FINAL COPY

S18Y0387. IN THE MATTER OF RICHARD V. MERRITT.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary

surrender of license filed by Richard V. Merritt (State Bar No. 503105) pursuant

to Bar Rule 4-227 (b) (2), before the issuance of a formal complaint. In his

petition, Merritt, who has been a member of the Bar since 2000, admits that in

February 2017 he settled a client’s personal injury matter for $75,000, but failed

to promptly disburse those funds to his client or her medical providers and failed

to render a full accounting of the funds to his client. Merritt acknowledges that

the above-described conduct violated Rule 1.15 (I) (c) of the Georgia Rules of

Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for

a single violation of Rule 1.15 (I) is disbarment.

Given his admissions, Merritt requests that the Court accept his petition

for the voluntary surrender of his license, which he acknowledges would be

tantamount to disbarment. The State Bar has responded, stating its belief that the best interests of the public and the Bar would be served by this Court accepting

the petition for voluntary surrender of license.

We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Merritt’s petition for the

voluntary surrender of his license. Accordingly, the name of Richard V. Merritt

hereby is removed from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in the State

of Georgia. Merritt is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices concur.

2 Decided January 29, 2018.

Voluntary surrender of license.

Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, Jenny K. Mittelman,

Assistant General Counsel State Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.