Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official details, always consult official court records and the State Bar of Texas. This is a developing story, and this article will be updated as new information becomes available.
Kennard’s Legal Troubles: A Timeline of Allegations
Texas attorney Alfonso Kennard Jr. (Bar No. 24036888) faces multiple disciplinary actions and allegations of misconduct spanning from Minnesota to Texas. This report provides a detailed, chronological account of the events, allegations, and ongoing investigations, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of this complex situation.
Minnesota Suspension: The Catalyst
The saga began in Minnesota in March 2021. Kennard received a 30-day suspension from the Minnesota Supreme Court (Case No. A20-1247, In Re Petition for Disciplinary Action against Alfonso Kennard, Jr., a Non-Minnesota Attorney) for violations including knowingly disregarding tribunal rules, practicing law without authorization, and failing to cooperate with the ensuing investigation. This action arguably triggered increased scrutiny of Kennard’s practices in Texas.
Texas Allegations: A Deep Dive
Kennard’s legal woes extend beyond Minnesota. In Texas, he faces a series of allegations ranging from financial improprieties to professional negligence. These allegations, while unproven, raise serious questions about his conduct.
Summary of Allegations Against Kennard in Texas
Allegation
Details
Status
Unauthorized Practice of Law (MN)
Practicing legal activities without proper authorization, leading to a 30-day suspension in Minnesota.
Suspension Served
Financial Misconduct
IRS liens, unpaid taxes, questions surrounding a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Pending Investigation
Client Neglect
Allegations of failing to provide adequate legal representation after accepting payment.
Pending Investigation
Excessive Fees
Clients allege being charged exorbitant fees for services rendered.
Pending Investigation
Withholding Client Funds
Alleged reluctance to release funds rightfully belonging to clients.
Pending Investigation
Filing False Documents
Accusations of submitting fabricated documents to the court.
Pending Investigation
Practicing Law While Ineligible
Potentially practicing law while under suspension or facing other restrictions.
Pending Investigation
DWI Conviction
Confirmed DWI conviction.
Confirmed
Examining Specific Allegations
Financial Improprieties: Beyond the Minnesota suspension, public records reveal financial difficulties, including a DWI conviction, unpaid taxes resulting in IRS tax liens, and substantial judgments against him. These issues raise concerns about his financial stability and potential impact on his handling of client funds.
Negligence and Client Neglect: Numerous former clients allege Kennard accepted payment for legal services but then provided inadequate representation or abandoned their cases altogether. These claims, if substantiated, suggest a breach of his professional duties.
False Filings and Unauthorized Practice: Several attorneys have identified court documents allegedly containing fabricated information. Further allegations suggest Kennard practiced law while potentially ineligible, either during a suspension or while facing other restrictions. These accusations strike at the core of the legal system’s integrity.
The Texas Bar: Under Scrutiny
With complaints against Kennard potentially predating the Minnesota suspension, the Texas State Bar faces scrutiny for its seemingly delayed response. This raises questions about the effectiveness of their disciplinary process and whether opportunities to intervene earlier were missed.
June 2024: A New Legal Challenge
On June 18, 2024, a new disciplinary petition (Case No. 2024-38562) was filed against Kennard in Harris County, Texas, by Winston R. Hamilton, the same individual who filed previous complaints. Interestingly, the case was transferred to a different district court just two days later. The reasons for this transfer remain unclear, warranting further investigation.
Minnesota vs. Texas: A Tale of Two Responses
The discrepancy between Minnesota’s swift action and Texas’s more measured approach raises questions about the consistency of attorney disciplinary procedures across state lines.
Timeline of Key Events
Date
Event
Location
Case Number
March 9, 2021
30-Day Suspension for unauthorized practice, disregarding tribunal rules, lack of cooperation
Minnesota
A20-1247
May 5, 2022
30-Day Suspension (Stayed pending appeal) – reciprocal discipline based on Minnesota suspension
Texas
65861
Jan 16, 2023
Conclusion of Texas Suspension (exact year of completion needs confirmation)
Texas
65861
June 18, 2024
New Disciplinary Petition Filed
Texas
2024-38562
June 20, 2024
Case Transferred to Another District Court
Texas
2024-38562
Several theories attempt to explain this difference. Some suggest that variations in state laws, resources allocated to disciplinary boards, and internal procedures may contribute. Others point to the possibility of differing legal cultures influencing the speed and severity of disciplinary actions.
The Kennard Paradox: Accomplishments and Allegations
Kennard’s legal career presents a paradox. He possesses a strong background with national recognition for his work. How can an attorney with such accomplishments face such serious allegations? This contrast raises questions about the potential disconnect between professional accolades and ethical conduct.
Conclusion: Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
This complex situation underscores the need for a more consistent and transparent system for handling attorney disciplinary actions across states. While Kennard is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the seriousness of the allegations demands thorough investigation. The legal community, and the public, await further developments in this unfolding story. It also suggests more research into the dynamics of state bar disciplinary procedures is necessary.
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