Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc

UPDATE: Probation was terminated pursuant to an order dated Feb. 22, 2010.

February 19, 2008

SC88720

In re: William R. Merryman, MBE No. 26302

ORDER

The complete record of the Disciplinary Hearing Panel having been filed and the cause having been briefed and argued before this Court, The Court finds that Respondent has violated Rules 4-1.1, 4-1.3, 4-1.4, 4-1.15(b), 4-1.16(d) and 4-4.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct and should be disciplined.

Now, therefore, it is ordered that Respondent, William R. Merryman, is hereby suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years from the date of this order.  The suspension is stayed, and Respondent, William R. Merryman is placed on probation as provided in Rule 5.225.  The probation is for a period of two years from the date of this order.  The conditions of probation shall be those specified in Rule 5.225. In addition, Respondent shall remain alcohol free (subject to random testing) and Respondent shall successfully complete the probation he received as a result of his conviction for driving while intoxicated. Respondent shall secure and maintain malpractice insurance in an amount satisfactory to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

If a failure to comply with the conditions of probation is determined to have occurred pursuant to Rule 5.225(f), the suspension previously stayed will be imposed with leave to apply for reinstatement after not less than two years.

Fee of $1,000.00 as per Rule 5.19(h) assessed against Respondent and shall be paid to the Clerk of this Court to the credit of the Advisory Committee Fund.

Costs taxed to Respondent.

_____________________

William Ray Price, Jr.

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.