In Re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against McGough

Attorney Joseph E. McGough appeals the recommendation of the Disciplinary Board of the Washington State Bar Association that he be suspended from the practice of law for 2 years. Upon careful review of the record and prior discipline cases, we conclude that the appropriate sanction is disbarment.

McGough was admitted to practice law in 1976 and has practiced in the Tri-Cities area since 1978, mostly as a sole practitioner. McGough has a prior disciplinary history resulting from conduct in 1984 and 1985, which culminated in his stipulation to two letters of censure in November 1985.1

The current…