Shea v. Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board

This is an appeal of right from an Order of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board in which the Board found that Kevin P. Shea violated DR 5-103(B). That disciplinary rule provides in pertinent part that “[w]hile representing a client in connection with contemplated or pending litigation, a lawyer shall not advance or guarantee financial assistance to his client.”

In 1984, a seaman came to Shea complaining of personal injuries sustained while working on a barge. The seaman retained Shea on a contingent fee basis. Shea filed suit in federal court. During the pendency of the suit, the client…