The Supreme Court of Georgia on Monday issued the following attorney discipline opinions:

In the Supreme Court of Georgia

Decided: April 29, 2019 S19Y0645.

IN THE MATTER OF LAKEISHA TENNILLE GANTT.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary discipline filed by respondent Lakeisha Tennille Gantt (State Bar No. 142126). Gantt, who has been a member of the Bar since 2005, admits that, in 2014, a client hired her for representation in an adoption matter and paid her more than $3,700. Gantt acknowledges that she initially informed the client that she would complete the adoption paperwork prior to April 2015, but that her failure to promptly complete the necessary work led to the adoption not being completed until March 2018. Gantt points to numerous separate instances in the intervening period in which she failed to respond to the client's communications in a timely and appropriate manner, failed to respond to the client at all, or failed to complete and submit paperwork related to interim steps in completing the adoption, such as failing to complete the work necessary for a home visit to be completed.

In acknowledging that she failed to timely perform the necessary work on the adoption, causing a significant delay in the proceedings, and failed to adequately communicate with the client, Gantt admits to violations of Rules 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5. The maximum sanction for a violation of Rules 1.2 or 1.3 is disbarment, while the maximum sanction for a violation of Rules 1.4 or 1.5 is a public reprimand. In mitigation of discipline, Gantt asserts that she lacked a dishonest or selfish motive, and has in fact repeatedly apologized to the client and offered to refund her fee; that she was, during the relevant period, suffering from personal and emotional difficulties that required treatment and counseling; and that she has made a full and free disclosure, demonstrating a cooperative attitude towards the disciplinary proceedings. Gantt requests that this Court impose a Review Board Reprimand.

The State Bar's response notes, in aggravation, Gantt's substantial experience in the practice of law and her receipt of prior discipline. See In the Matter of Gantt, 302 Ga. 3 (804 SE2d 336) (2017). Nevertheless, the Bar recommends that this Court accept Gantt's petition and impose a Review Board Reprimand, as such a resolution is appropriate under ABA Standard 4.43, which provides that a reprimand is generally appropriate when a lawyer is negligent and does not act with reasonable diligence in representing a client.

Having reviewed the record, we agree that a Review Board Reprimand is the appropriate sanction in this matter. See In the Matter of Leslie, 300 Ga. 774 (798 SE2d 221) (2017) (imposing Review Panel Reprimand for violations of Rules 1.3, 1.4, and 3.2 related to delay in attending to client matter and failure to communicate); In the Matter of Jones, 299 Ga. 736 (791 SE2d 774) (2016) (imposing Review Panel Reprimand for violations of Rules 1.3, 1.4, and 9.3 related to failure to file and misleading client communications). Accordingly, the Court hereby orders that Gantt receive a Review Board Reprimand in accordance with Bar Rules 4- 102 (b) (4) and 4-220 for her violations of Rules 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5.

Petition for voluntary discipline accepted. Review Board reprimand. All the Justices concur.

In the Supreme Court of Georgia

Decided: April 29, 2019

S19Y0980. IN THE MATTER OF DON SMART.

PER CURIAM.

On December 27, 2018, Don Smart (State Bar No. 653525) was charged with a felony count of theft by conversion. He has filed this petition seeking to be suspended during the pendency of his criminal proceedings. The State Bar has filed a response, stating that it does not object to Smart's petition and supports his request for a suspension pending the resolution of his criminal charges. See In the Matter of Swank, 288 Ga. 479 (704 SE2d 807) (2011).

Having reviewed the record, the Court agrees that Smart's request should be granted. Therefore, it is hereby ordered that Don Smart be suspended from the practice of law in this State during the pendency of the criminal charges against him and until further order of this Court. Smart is hereby directed to notify the State Bar's Office of General Counsel in writing within seven days of any final disposition of the criminal charges, whether by plea, verdict, dismissal, first offender probation, or otherwise. Smart is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (b).

Suspension until further order of the Court. All the Justices concur.