Gabianelli v. Azar

OPINION

Before MATTHEWS, C.J., and RABINO WITZ, BURKE, COMPTON and MOORE, JJ. MATTHEWS, Chief Justice.

This appeal presents the question whether the superior court erred in disqualifying an attorney from further participation in a case under Alaska Code of Professional Responsibility Canon 9 (1988). The superi- or court ruled that the attorney’s former personal relationship with the opposing party’s accountant created an appearance of impropriety and disqualified the attorney. We reverse for the reasons set forth below.

I. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

According to the allegations in the complaint, this…