09/12/2012

Sheridan Attorney Disbarred

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Supreme Court today issued an Order of Disbarment for Sheridan lawyer, Mia Mikesell Shifrar, effective September 12, 2012.

Following a hearing, the Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) found clear and convincing evidence of Shifrar's violation of Rules 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property), and 8.4 (misconduct) of the Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct, stemming from Shifrar's receipt of client funds in a probate matter and subsequent, improper diversion of those funds.

The BPR found a number of aggravating factors, including Shifrar's dishonest or selfish motive, bad faith obstruction of disciplinary proceedings, submission of false evidence, refusal to acknowledge the wrongful nature of her conduct, vulnerability of the victim, substantial experience in the practice of law, and illegal conduct.

The Supreme Court approved the BPR's recommendation for disbarment and ordered Shifrar to pay restitution in the amount of $37,067.63 to the estate from which she diverted the funds; restitution in the amount of $1,000.00 to the personal representative of the estate for fees paid to Shifrar; and an administrative fee and costs to the Wyoming State Bar in the total amount of $3,112.28.