Case No. 125,968: In the Matter of Christopher C. Barnds
Case No. 125,968 archived oral argument
In an original proceeding in attorney discipline, the Supreme Court suspended Barnds for three months from the practice of law in Kansas, with the three-month suspension stayed pending successful completion of a two-year probation period, effective from the filing date of the opinion, for violations of Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4(c) (2023 Kan. S. Ct. R. 394) (knowingly disobey an obligation under the rules of a tribunal except for an open refusal based on an assertion that no valid obligation exists), 4.4(a) (2023 Kan. S. Ct. R. 405) (shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person), 8.4(a) (2023 Kan. S. Ct. R. 433) (to violate the rules or knowingly assist another to do so), 8.4(d) (engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice), and 8.4(g) (engage in any other conduct that adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness to practice law).
Case No. 126,105: In the Matter of Mark G. Ayesh
Case No. 126,105 archived oral argument
In an attorney disciplinary proceeding, the Supreme Court unanimously ordered Ayesh be indefinitely suspended from the practice of law due to the unauthorized practice of law following a prior suspension of his license. Ayesh entered into a summary agreement in which he admitted various violations of the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct and stipulated to the findings of fact by the disciplinary panel. Ayesh was engaged by a client to prepare a prenuptial agreement but failed to disclose he was the subject of a pending disciplinary case, and later failed to notify the client his license had been temporarily suspended, as required by Supreme Court Rule 231(a)(1). Ayesh admitted his conduct violated ethics rules prohibiting unauthorized practice of law and conduct involving dishonesty. The Court ordered Ayesh's license be indefinitely suspended.
