In re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against Kagele

Attorney Jerry Kagele appeals the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Disciplinary Board’s (Board) recommendation that he be suspended from the practice of law for one year with reinstatement conditioned upon full payment of restitution to clients. The Board concluded that Kagele’s refusal to return any portion of “fully earned and nonrefundable” retainer fees to clients upon his termination violated Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.5 and 1.15(d) and that Kagele violated various provisions of the RPCs by neglecting clients’ matters, failing to communicate, failing to expedite…