CHARLESTON – Two West Virginia attorneys have had their law licenses suspended and one has been annulled, according to three press releases issued by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Amber Hanna and Mark A. Thomas’ law licenses were suspended, while Stephen D. Paesani’s law license was annulled.
Hanna’s license was suspended on Jan. 20, as a result of a petition filed pursuant to Rule 3.23 and 3.27 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
On Nov. 18, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel presented the state Supreme Court of Appeals its petition seeking the immediate suspension of Hanna’s law license and the court granted the petition pursuant to Rule 3.27.
Thomas’ license was suspended for 60 days, and the suspension will begin after he completes mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirements necessary to lift the current administrative suspension.
Thomas was further ordered to comply with the requirements of a suspended lawyer as outlined by Rule 3.28 of the Rules of Disciplinary Procedure and complete an additional nine hours of CLE, pay the costs of the disciplinary proceedings and undergo one year of probation with supervised practice upon his reinstatement.
On Dec. 3, the Hearing Panel Subcommittee of the Lawyer Disciplinary Board presented to the State Supreme Court a written recommend disposition in the matter.
Paesani’s license was annulled and he was ordered to pay the costs associated with the disciplinary proceeding.
On Nov. 10, the HPS of the LDB presented the State Supreme Court with its written recommended disposition on the matter and on Nov. 19, the HPS filed a motion to file an amended report and attached its amended recommended disposition. The motion to file an amended report was granted.
The amended report recommended that Paesani’s licensed be annulled and that he be ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings, pursuant to Rule 3.15.
W.Va. Supreme Court of Appeals case numbers: 14-1321, 15-1106, 15-0119