Oral argument:
In re: Shakespear N. Feyissa, WSBA #33747 (Should attorney Shakespear N. Feyissa be disbarred?) Case #202272-3
- The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) charged attorney Shakespear N. Feyissa with eight counts of professional misconduct. Following a hearing, the hearing officer determined that the Bar had proved six of the eight counts and recommended the sanction of disbarment. The Disciplinary Board adopted the hearing officer’s decision and recommendation. On appeal, Feyissa challenges many of the hearing officer’s factual findings and legal conclusions, the hearing officer’s analysis of aggravating and mitigating factors, and the hearing officer’s recommendation of disbarment. Feyissa also argues that he is entitled to a new hearing because racial bias affected the hearing officer’s decision, because the court reporter showed bias in favor of the Bar, and because the hearing officer used evidence outside the record in making certain factual findings.