Disciplinary Actions – 8/3/12

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission brings charges against attorneys who have violated the state’s rules for admission to the bar and Rules of Professional Conduct. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications brings charges against judges, judicial officers, or judicial candidates for misconduct. Details of attorneys’ and judges’ actions for which they are being disciplined by the Supreme Court will be included unless they are not a matter of public record under the court’s rules.

Suspension
Lora N. Barkes, of Porter County, has been suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court for seven rule violations, including failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.

Barkes falsely told two clients that she had taken action on several collection actions when she had not. At the time, she knew her mental fitness was impaired by depression, yet she continued with the representations.

Several mitigating factors were found, including that Barkes is remorseful and has no disciplinary history. The justices found in a July 17, 2012, order that she violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 1.3; 1.4(b); 1.16(a)(2); 3.2; and 8.4(a), (c) and (d). They suspended her for 180 days, beginning Aug. 28, with 60 days actively served. The remainder will be stayed subject to completion of 18 months of probation, which includes monitoring by the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.

Resignation
Stacy H. Sheedy, of Marion County, has resigned from the Indiana bar, per a July 17, 2012, order. Sheedy pleaded guilty in March to two counts of Class C felony theft following accusations that she misappropriated nearly $600,000 from clients. She was sentenced to eight years.

She is ineligible to petition for reinstatement for five years. Sheedy’s resignation ends any disciplinary investigation.

Cynthia P. Purvis, of Marion County, has resigned from the Indiana bar, per a July 19, 2012, order. Her resignation is effective immediately. Any disciplinary actions pending against Purvis have been dismissed as moot. She must wait five years before she can petition for reinstatement.•