Legal Ethics
Ex-Lawyer Convicted for Misleading Clients at ‘Divorce With Dignity’ Clinic
Posted Oct 10, 2008, 10:00 am CDT
By Debra Cassens Weiss
A disbarred Vermont lawyer who moved to Arizona and opened an office called “Divorce with Dignity” has been convicted of theft and fraud for leading clients to believe he had a law license.
Gary Karpin was convicted of 23 counts of theft and one count of fraud, the Arizona Republic reports. Karpin came to the attention of authorities after a client learned the former lawyer was dating his wife at the same time he was helping the couple get a divorce, the story says. The unhappy client investigated and filed a civil suit against Karpin.
One client, Gina Niedzwiecki, paid Karpin more than $87,000 in one year. He displayed a legal diploma on his wall and had ads and business cards that implied he worked for a law firm, according to the story. He acted as a mediator, and his clients had to file their own divorce papers.
Karpin faces up to 9¼ years in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 21.
Related Stories
- Even Routine Law Practice is Difficult and Dangerous in Russia
Jul 5, 2009, 10:00 am CDT - Border Town Becomes Murder Capital, While Mexico Pushes for Rule-of-Law Changes
-1 years, 12 months ago - Counsel for Accused Lawyer Must Be Given Control of Claimed Child Porn
Jul 2, 2009, 03:52 pm CDT - Federal Judge Plans to Acquit Mom Convicted in Landmark Cyberbullying Case
Jul 2, 2009, 02:40 pm CDT
Related Topics
Add Comment
We welcome your comments, but please adhere to our comment policy.