Supreme Court of Georgia
In the Matter of Deirdre Maria Stephens (two Cases)
February 20, 2024318 Ga. 375
Summary
The Court adopted the Special Master’s findings that Stephens negligently violated trust-account rules and intentionally made repeated false or misleading statements concerning $80,000 to a trial court and the State Bar. It held that repeated similar misstatements over several years may constitute a pattern of misconduct, that restitution compelled by court orders is not mitigating, and that the aggravating circumstances warranted disbarment rather than suspension. The Court ordered Stephens removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in Georgia.