IN RE: William Jason ROWLAND (2026)

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary surrender of license filed by William Jason Rowland (State Bar No. 972807) prior to the issuance of a formal complaint under Bar Rule 4-227(b)(2). In his petition, Rowland, who has been a member of the Bar since 2013, admits that, on November 17, 2025, he entered a guilty plea in the Superior Court of Johnson County to one felony count of aggravated assault. By this conduct, Rowland acknowledges that he violated Rule 8.4(a)(2)¹ 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.

Rowland seeks to voluntarily surrender his license to practice law, which he acknowledges is tantamount to disbarment. Rule 1.0(u). The State Bar responds that it believes it is in the best interest of the public and the profession for the Court to accept Rowland's petition for voluntary surrender.

We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Rowland's petition for voluntary surrender of his license. See In the Matter of Jones, 320 Ga. 448, 909 S.E.2d 441 (2024) (accepting voluntary surrender of license where attorney violated Rule 8.4(a)(2)). Accordingly, the name of William Jason Rowland is hereby removed from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in the State of Georgia. Rowland is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219(b).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted.

FOOTNOTES

1.   This Rule provides that “[i]t shall be a violation of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct for a lawyer to ․ be convicted of a felony.” For purposes of this Rule, a conviction shall include “a guilty plea.” Rule 8.4(b)(1); Rule 1.0(f)(1).

Per Curiam.

All the Justices concur.