Opinion
S23Y1047
08-16-2023
In the MATTER OF Susan Janette LOPEZ.
Susan Janette Lopez, 2500 Dallas Highway, Suite 202-266, Marietta, Georgia 30061, for Appellant. Andreea N. Morrison, Assistant General Counsel, Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel, Jenny K. Mittelman, William Dallas NeSmith, III, Deputy General Counsel, State Bar of Georgia, 104 Marietta Street, N.W., Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2934, for Appellee.
Susan Janette Lopez, 2500 Dallas Highway, Suite 202-266, Marietta, Georgia 30061, for Appellant.
Andreea N. Morrison, Assistant General Counsel, Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel, Jenny K. Mittelman, William Dallas NeSmith, III, Deputy General Counsel, State Bar of Georgia, 104 Marietta Street, N.W., Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2934, for Appellee.
Per Curiam.
This disciplinary matter is before the Court on a petition for voluntary discipline filed by Susan Janette Lopez (State Bar No. 917332) prior to the issuance of a formal complaint under Georgia Bar Rule 4-227 (b). In her petition, Lopez, who has been a member of the Georgia Bar since 2014, admits that, on May 9, 2023, she entered a guilty plea in the Superior Court of Cobb County to one count of aggravated stalking, a felony, see OCGA § 16-5-91. By this conduct, Lopez acknowledges that she violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for a violation of Rule 8.4 (a) (2) is disbarment. Lopez seeks to voluntarily surrender her license to practice law, which she acknowledges is tantamount to disbarment. See Rule 1.0 (s). In its response, the Bar recommends that this Court accept Lopez's petition.
We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Lopez's petition for voluntary discipline. See In the Matter of Williams , 291 Ga. 659, 732 S.E.2d 85 (2012) (accepting voluntary surrender of license where attorney violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) ); In the Matter of Campbell , 282 Ga. 688, 653 S.E.2d 51 (2007) (same). Accordingly, it is ordered that the name of Susan Janette Lopez be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Lopez is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (b).
Voluntary surrender of license accepted.
All the Justices concur.