In Re Peterson

The Special Master recommended that a one-year suspension is the appropriate discipline in these cases. Although the majority opinion tracks the reasoning of the Special Master, it concludes that the suspension should instead be for three years. Based on the evidence in the record and consistent with our precedent, I believe that William M. Peterson should be disbarred, and so I dissent.

In addition to abandoning two clients, Peterson made false statements to both the Investigative Panel and the Office of General Counsel of the State Bar during the disciplinary process. We unanimously…