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The latest in our semi-regular examination of recent attorney discipline in Pennsylvania includes: practicing while suspended; being caught by the police snorting coke; and  converting client funds.

Since August 1, 2012, there have been 7, disbarments, 15 suspensions,  5 reinstatements, and 2 public censures.

Attorney William M. Dickerson, a Philadelphia attorney, agreed to voluntary disbarment after continuing to practice law while on administrative suspension.  Mr. Dickerson was suspended from the practice of law in 2010, for failure to pay his attorney registration fees, and continued to represent people in criminal and immigration cases for the next two years.  Attorney John Francis Licari was also disbarred for continuing to practice while on administrative suspension.

Attorney Adam Marc Yanoff, a New Jersey attorney, also admitted in Pennsylvania, had recently been hired as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia, when a police officer spotted him using a straw to snort a white powdery substance.  Mr. Yanoff subsequently entered a nolo contendere plea to possession of cocaine and marijuana.  Mr. Yanoff consented to a public censure from the Disciplinary Board.

Attorney Thomas Alvin Landis, a former Lansdale attorney, was suspended upon consent for five years.  Mr. Landis was suspended due to various errors related to the administration of two estates, including issuing checks to himself from the estate’s account and signing the executrix’s name to the check without her knowledge.  The Disciplinary Board noted that a five year suspension or disbarment were the standard punishments for attorneys who knowingly convert client funds.