Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc

October 6, 2009

Supreme Court Case No. SC90358

In re: Gary E. Stark, MBE No. 52543

ORDER

Now at this day, the Court being sufficiently advised of and concerning the premises and having considered the statement of acceptance of the Disciplinary Hearing Panel Decision pursuant to Rule 5.19(c), the Court finds that Respondent, Gary E. Stark, Missouri Bar No. 52543 violated Rules 4-1.1 and 4-1.3 by failing to file timely responsive pleadings in his clients’ case, resulting in sanctions and/or dismissal; Rule 4-1.4 by failing to communicate to his client that her case had been dismissed and failing to explain the status of multiple matters so as to allow his client to make informed decisions; Rules 4-8.4(a), (c), and (d) by representing to his client that an appeal was still pending after it had been dismissed and misrepresenting the status and facts involved in other matters; Rule 4-1.15 by failing to immediately deposit client settlement proceeds in a client trust account; Rule 4-8.1(c) by failing to respond to the lawful demand for information in connection with a disciplinary investigation and Rule 15.05 by failing to complete and/or report continuing legal education requirements.

In accordance with previous disciplinary decisions of this Court, the Court suspends the license of Gary E. Stark with no petition for reinstatement to be entertained for a period of one year from the date of this order.

It is further ordered that Respondent, Gary E. Stark, comply in all respect with Rule 5.27 - Notification of clients and counsel.

Fee pursuant to Rule 5.19(h) in the amount of $1000.00 payable to the Clerk of this Court to the credit of the Advisory Committee Fund taxed to Respondent.

Costs taxed to Respondent.

Day - to - Day

_________________________

Mary R. Russell

Acting 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.