In the Matter of L. Nicole Hamilton

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the imposition of a six‑month suspension on L. Nicole Hamilton for violating Rule 1.16(d) by failing to return unearned fees and to pay a fee‑arbitration award. The Court held that, although the maximum penalty for a Rule 1.16(d) violation is a public reprimand, Bar Rule 4‑103 permits a suspension when the attorney has prior disciplinary infractions. The decision also affirmed the special master’s factual findings as not clearly erroneous.