Iowa Supreme Court Board of Professional Ethics & Conduct v. Smith

NEUMAN, Justice.

This attorney disciplinary matter is before us for de novo review in accordance with Iowa Supreme Court rule 118.10. The Iowa Supreme Court Board of Professional Ethics & Conduct (hereinafter “board”) charged respondent, William S. Smith, with violating probate rules, misleading the court regarding his claim for compensation, and taking an excessive fee. Following hearing, a division of the grievance commission found the allegations substantiated and recommended a public reprimand. Because we believe Smith’s unethical conduct warrants a more severe sanction, we suspend his…