In Matter of Villani

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on Ralph James Villani’s petition for voluntary discipline, in which he seeks the imposition of a Review Panel reprimand for his admitted violations of Rules 1.4 and 1.5 (a) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for a violation of either rule is a public reprimand. The State Bar has filed a response stating that the interests of the public and the Bar would be best served by accepting the petition.

In the petition, Villani admits that a client hired him in August 2007 to advise her concerning the death…