IN RE: Jerry BOYKIN. (2022)

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on a petition for voluntary surrender of license filed by Jerry Boykin (State Bar No. 073250) prior to the issuance of a formal complaint under Bar Rule 4-227 (b) (2). In his petition, Boykin, who has been a member of the Bar since 1973, recites that, although he has been on disabled status with the Bar and unable to practice law since 2018, he filed a petition to probate a will in 2020. Upon learning from the clerk of the probate court that the decedent had executed a subsequent will appointing co-executors, Boykin attempted to convince one of the executors to renounce his appointment in order to expedite the resolution of the estate, but the executor refused. Boykin then forged the executor's signature on an affidavit stating that the executor renounced the appointment, notarized the forged signature, and filed the affidavit in the probate court. By this conduct, Boykin acknowledges that he violated Rules 5.5 (a) and 8.4 (a) (4) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The maximum penalty for a violation of Rules 5.5 (a) and 8.4 (a) (4) is disbarment, and Boykin acknowledges that the surrender of his license is tantamount to disbarment. Rule 1.0 (r). In its response, the Bar recommends that this Court accept Boykin's petition.

We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Boykin's petition for voluntary surrender of his license, which is tantamount to disbarment. Accordingly, it is ordered that the name of Jerry Boykin be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Boykin is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (b).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted.

Per Curiam.

All the Justices concur.