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Board of Overseers of the Bar v. Douglas B. Chapman, Esq.
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Docket No.: BAR-16-18
Issued by: Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Date: August 18, 2017
Respondent: Douglas B. Chapman, Esq.
Bar Number: 000736
Order: Receiver Appointment Receiver Discharge Order
Disposition/Conduct: Receiver Appointment/Receiver Discharge Order
Appointment of Limited Co-Receivers
M. Bar R. 32
On August 4, 2017, Receiver Attorney Thomas B. Wheatley submitted his Second and Final Semi-Annual Report to the Court. In this Report, Attorney Wheatley expressed his desire and need for the Board to assume Receivership duties for the law practice of Douglas B. Chapman. For good cause shown and without objection, Attorney Wheatley?s petition for discharge is GRANTED. The Court acknowledges the extensive efforts and valuable service Attorney Wheatley provided as Receiver and extends its appreciation for his numerous hours of work in this massive undertaking.
Also pending before the Court is an Expedited Petition for Appointment of Limited Co-Receivers dated August 7, 2017. Upon Petition submitted by the Board of Overseers of the Bar, pursuant to M. Bar R. 32, the Court Orders:
As of this date, The Board of Overseers of the Bar and Margaret T. Jeffery are appointed as Limited Co-Receivers of the law practice of Douglas B. Chapman of the firm Fenton Chapman & Kane, P.A. The newly-appointed Limited Receivers shall maintain and dispose of Attorney Chapman?s unclaimed client files in a manner consistent with the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorney Jeffery will concentrate primarily on the oldest most ?historically significant? files. The Board shall attempt to return client files when appropriate. The Board shall additionally retain, and return to clients when possible, the original wills currently contained in safe deposit boxes. The Board shall additionally take possession of the firm?s electronic files.
It is further Ordered that The Board of Overseers of the Bar and Margaret T. Jeffery shall be protected from liability for professional services rendered in accordance with this Order pursuant to M. Bar Rule 32(e).
The Clerk is directed to incorporate this Order on the docket by reference.
Dated: August 18, 2017
Donald G. Alexander
Associate Justice
Maine Supreme Judicial Court
