In the Matter of David J. Farnham

Summary

The Court held that the Special Master should not have imposed the harsh sanction of striking Farnham’s pleadings without first holding a hearing on the motion to strike. Because Farnham had submitted some discovery responses and offered explanations for his failures, the matter required further consideration rather than immediate disbarment. The Court vacated the Special Master’s and Review Board’s recommendations and remanded for a hearing, with additional directions concerning discovery, the merits, and mitigation. No separate opinions were filed.