The State Bar of Arizona has been aggressively pursuing disciplinary charges against attorneys who challenged alleged election irregularities and illegalities in 2020 and 2022. Proceedings against State Representative Alex Kolodin (R-Scottsdale) recently concluded with Kolodin accepting an agreement that would allow him to keep his law license, instead serving probation for 18 months.
The Arizona Bar charged Kolodin (pictured above) with several rules often used to disbar conservative attorneys. As part of the agreement, Kolodin admitted his actions violated Rule 42, ERs 3.1 and 8.4(d) of the Arizona Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct. ER 3.1 prohibits attorneys from bringing “frivolous” lawsuits, and 8.4(d) prohibits attorneys from “engag[ing] in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.”
Kolodin was not required to admit any specifics of wrongdoing, and the agreement did not explain how he violated the two ethical rules, which is unusual in an Agreement for Consent by Discipline.
Kolodin’s discipline is known as an “admonition.” He will also be required to pay the costs and expenses of the proceeding within 30 days and take certain Continuing Legal Education courses within 18 months. The agreement stated that aggravating factors were found, including “multiple offenses” and “substantial experience in the practice of law.” Kolodin has practiced law for 10 years. In previous bar disciplinary cases, the Arizona Bar often said 10 years was “too inexperienced” when handing out discipline.
Read the rest of the article at The Arizona Sun Times