A Massachusetts lawyer has been disbarred by a federal appeals court for aiding a lottery-winning client in a fraudulent scheme to dodge child support payments. Details of the case indicate that James Hayes, previously stripped of his state law license, orchestrated the fraudulent scheme according to findings by the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
The Massachusetts Bar Counsel initiated disciplinary proceedings against Hayes in 2020, presenting a four-count petition for discipline to the state’s Board of Bar Overseers. The petition charged Hayes with various misconducts, including fraud, and alleged he charged excessive fees.
The state’s findings, which were upheld by the federal appeals court, contributed to Hayes’ disbarment, highlighting a breach of professional ethics and legal standards expected within the practice.
- Court determined disbarment was warranted due to the lawyer’s involvement in helping his client commit fraud.
- Ample evidence suggested that Hayes also charged excessive fees.