Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc
17 March 2020
Supreme Court of Missouri Case No. SC98155
In re: Michael M. Spiegel, MBE # 49658
Note: By order dated October 26, 2021, the Court reinstated Michael Spiegel.
ORDER
The Court being sufficiently advised of and concerning the premises and having considered the complete record of the Disciplinary Hearing Panel and this cause having been fully briefed and argued thereafter;
The Court finds that Respondent, Michael M. Spiegel, violated:
(1) Rule 4-1.7(a) in that, by representing a client with whom he was having sexual relations, there was a significant risk the representation would be materially limited by his personal interests and, thereby, resulted in a concurrent conflict of interest that did not come within the exception set out in Rule 4-1.7(b);
(2) Rule 4-1.8(j) by having sexual relations with a client when no consensual sexual relationship existed between them when the lawyer-client relationship commenced; and
(3) Rule 4-8.4(d) in that he engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice by having sexual relations with his client during the pendency of the attorney-client relationship.
Upon consideration of these findings, previous decisions of this Court, ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Discipline, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the Court suspends Respondent’s license indefinitely. No petition for reinstatement shall be entertained for a period of six months from the date of this order.
A fee pursuant to Rule 5.19(h) in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Clerk of this Court to the credit of the Advisory Committee is taxed to Respondent.
It is further ordered that Respondent, Michael M. Spiegel, comply in all respects with Rule 5.27-Procedure Following a Disbarment or Suspension Order.
Costs taxed to Respondent.
Day - to – Day
__________________________
George W. Draper III
Chief Justice
Note: To view any specific rule provisions cited in this order, please visit the pages for Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 4 and Rule 5. Please be aware the versions of the rules available online are those currently in effect and may have changed since this order issued.