In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Michael A. Stepovich, Respondent

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court held that Michael A. Stepovich knowingly violated Rule 1.8(c) by naming himself as a contingent beneficiary in a client’s will and imposed a 12‑month suspension, finding the violation not the same or similar to his prior trust‑fund misconduct and conditioning reinstatement on passing the MPRE. The Court applied ABA sanction standards, weighed aggravating and mitigating factors, and clarified that the earlier stayed suspension does not apply.