This is almost like a case out of the TV series Boston Legal.
MOBILE, Alabama – from www.wkrg.com – The Alabama State Bar has disbarred former Circuit Court Judge Herman Thomas a second time for practicing law while his license was suspended.
During a private disciplinary hearing Tuesday morning, Thomas admitted to drafting legal documents for the Brandyburg Law Firm. A five person panel also determined Thomas lied in previous affidaivats he filed with the State Bar Association. Thomas’ license was suspended in March 2009 following the first of two rounds of criminal indictments involving allegations that he paddled and sexually abused defendants in his courtroom.
Thomas was cleared of sex abuse and 2nd degree assault charges during a criminal trial in October 2009, but he was found guilty of paddling defendants in his courtroom during a disciplinary hearing Monday.
Tony McLain, General Counsel for the Bar, said the five year disbarment issued Tuesday will run concurrent with the five year punishment Thomas received Monday.
The disciplinary panel was led by Mobile lawyer Billy Bedsole. Kristy Crowe, a Union Springs lawyer, and Birmingham lawyers Phillip McCallum and Jim Pratt also served on the panel. The fifth member was Leon Garett, a retired school superintendent from Piemont.
Thomas ignored reporters’ questions as he left the courtroom Tuesday. His attorney, Bob Clark, says they will file an appeal with the Alabama Supreme Court.
Thomas announced last month he is running for Alabama Senate District 33, challenging Sen. Vivian Davis-Figures, the mother of one of the men prosecutors say Thomas abused.
Figures testified during Thomas’ disciplinary hearing on Monday.