In re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against Simmerly

¶1 The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) charged Paul E. Simmerly with 36 counts of attorney misconduct stemming from his mishandling of client funds. The most egregious count involves making false representations and fabricating evidence during the disciplinary process. The hearing officer ultimately recommended suspension after finding that the WSBA had proved 26 of the 36 counts. On review, the WSBA Disciplinary Board (Board) affirmed the hearing officer’s findings but modified his decision in a few ways. First, it reinstated five counts involving the misuse of client funds based…