Georgia Bar Seeks Emergency Suspension of Attorney Joe Durham Jr.
UPDATE: The State Bar of Georgia has just announced an urgent petition for the emergency suspension of Albany attorney Joe Durham Jr.. Filed on September 12, the petition alleges serious ethics violations that threaten both clients and the public.
According to the State Bar, Durham is accused of actively misusing client settlement funds, including a staggering $1.5 million from a case involving Shannon Payne. Allegations state he diverted these funds to settle personal debts and obligations linked to other clients, putting all involved at significant risk.
The petition outlines that Durham is currently facing seven pending disciplinary matters before a Special Master, with the case being overseen by Columbus attorney LaRae Dixon Moore, who was appointed on the same day the petition was filed. The seriousness of the allegations has prompted the Bar to seek immediate action, emphasizing that Durham’s conduct poses a “substantial threat of harm.”
In a shocking claim, the petition states, “Respondent is actively converting and misusing funds recovered on behalf of clients.” This includes claims that Durham has misrepresented settlement amounts to clients, such as informing the Reid family that their case was settled for $650,000 when it was actually for $625,000.
Durham is also implicated in using client funds for personal business expenses tied to his companies, Strategic Wealth Planners LLC and Esquire Legal Funding LLC. He reportedly transferred funds intended for clients into his personal accounts without their consent, falsely assuring them that their money would be safely invested.
The petition details numerous instances of bounced checks and insufficient funds in Durham’s accounts, raising alarming questions about his financial practices. It also reveals claims of document falsification and failure to respond to requests from the State Bar, which sought critical records related to his legal practice.
Additionally, accusations stem from a February 2022 shuttle accident in Vienna, Georgia, where Durham allegedly secured settlements without informing the families of the deceased passengers. He reportedly pressured them into paying his legal fees upfront unless they allowed him to retain their settlement funds.
The State Bar’s petition calls for a hearing to determine whether Durham should be suspended while the disciplinary proceedings unfold. Representing the Bar are attorneys Russell D. Willard, Andrea N. Morrison, and James S. Lewis, while Durham is defended by S. Lester Tate III and W. Matthew Wilson.
As this situation develops, the legal community will be closely watching the outcome of the hearing. The implications of Durham’s alleged misconduct extend beyond ethics, impacting the trust and safety of clients who seek legal representation.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story unfolds.
