In the Matter of Sarah Mallas Wayman

307 Ga. 586

• Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
• Decided: December 23, 2019
• Docket: S20Y0289
• Status: Published

Opinion

307 Ga. 586 FINAL COPY

S20Y0289. IN THE MATTER OF SARAH MALLAS WAYMAN.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for

voluntary surrender of license filed by Sarah Mallas Wayman (State

Bar No. 742600), pursuant to Bar Rule 4-227 (b) (2). Wayman has

been a member of the State Bar since 1955 and currently has

emeritus status. In her petition, Wayman admits the following. In

connection with the settlement of a civil action, she received $75,000

from the defendant’s insurer (“Settlement Funds”) and deposited the

Settlement Funds into a trust account. However, the Settlement

Funds were not distributed to her client (the plaintiff) and third

parties entitled to receive them. The plaintiff requested that

Wayman provide an accounting regarding the Settlement Funds,

but she could only account for $5,000 of the Settlement Funds, which

she since has delivered to the plaintiff.

Wayman acknowledges that her 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 violation of this Rule is

disbarment. Wayman requests that the Court accept her petition

for voluntary surrender of her license, which is tantamount to

disbarment.

The State Bar recommends that the Court accept Wayman’s

petition for voluntary surrender of license, and based upon our

review of the petition, we agree that acceptance of Wayman’s

petition is in the best interests of the Bar and the public.

Accordingly, the name Sarah Mallas Wayman is hereby removed

from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in the State of

Georgia. Wayman is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule

4-219 (b).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices

concur.

DECIDED DECEMBER 23, 2019. Voluntary surrender of license. Dana P. Shaffner, for Wayman.

2 Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, William D. NeSmith III, Deputy General Counsel State Bar, Jenny K. Mittelman, William V. Hearnburg, Jr., Assistant General Counsel State Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.