Former Spokane Councilman Eugster faces legal woes

Richard Roesler at the Spokesman-Review has a story on former Spokane City Councilman Steve Eusgter's fight to keep from having his privilege to practice law in Washington state suspended. The case, which stemmed from a complaint that he acted dishonestly with an elderly client, has gone all the way to the Supreme Court.

Roesler writes:

No stranger to the state Supreme Court, Spokane attorney Steve Eugster on Thursday found himself in an unaccustomed place: on the sidelines.

Surrounded by about 10 supporters, the former Spokane city councilman watched as lawyers argued whether he should be suspended from practicing law. The state bar association wants to suspend Eugster while it finalizes its disbarment case against him for allegedly betraying an elderly client.

The court issued no immediate ruling. But judging by the reactions of several justices, Eugster's full-court press to avoid suspension – including dozens of letters to the court from friends and attorneys – may work. Several justices seemed inclined to let Eugster continue work under another lawyer's supervision. He said he has only three clients.