In Re Gardner

This disciplinary matter is before the Court pursuant to the Report and Recommendation of a special master who was appointed following the filing of a Formal Complaint by the State Bar. The Formal Complaint alleged, and the special master found, that Respondent William W. Gardner violated Rules 1.3, 1.4 and 1.16 (d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which are found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The special master recommends imposition of the maximum penalty of disbarment for Gardner’s violations. We agree.

The State Bar filed a Formal Complaint against Gardner who has been a member of the Bar…