Attorney Grievance Commission v. Barnett

This attorney discipline proceeding concerns a Maryland lawyer who forged his client’s signature on an affidavit submitted to a circuit court, failed to communicate with his client and notify her of hearing dates, and made several misrepresentations of material fact to Bar Counsel during an investigation of his conduct.

Michael Francis Barnett (“Barnett”), Respondent, a member of the Bar of Maryland, represented Sheila Wooden (‘Wooden”) in a child custody dispute. On October 12, 2011, Wooden filed a complaint against Barnett with the Attorney Grievance Commission (“the Commission”), Petitioner.