IN RE: DISCIPLINE OF STEVEN HOSADA BURKE (2024)

ORDER GRANTING PETITION FOR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND RESTRICTING ACCESS TO CLIENT FUNDS

Bar counsel has filed a petition under SCR 102(1)(d), asking this court to temporarily suspend attorney Steven Hosada Burke from the practice of law in Nevada and enjoin Burke from making withdrawals from accounts in which he is currently holding any client funds pending resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him. The petition and supporting documentation allege that Burke “appears to be posing a substantial threat of serious harm to the public.” SCR 102(1)(d)(2). In particular, the petition alleges that Burke misappropriated $600,000 in client estate funds entrusted to him, a violation of RPC 1.15. Burke subsequently joined in the petition. Accordingly, and cause appearing, we grant the petition.

Attorney Steven Hosada Burke is temporarily suspended from the practice of law, pending the resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings. In addition, pursuant to SCR 102(1)(d)(3), we impose the following conditions on Burke's handling of funds entrusted to him:

1. All proceeds from Burke's practice of law and all fees and other funds received from or on behalf of any clients shall, from the date of service of this order, be deposited into a trust account from which no withdrawals may be made by Burke except upon written approval of bar counsel; and

2. Burke is prohibited from withdrawing any funds from any and all accounts in any way relating to Burke's law practice, including but not limited to Burke's general and trust accounts, except upon written approval of bar counsel.

The State Bar shall serve Burke with a copy of this order. Such service may be accomplished by personal service, certified mail, delivery to a person of suitable age at Burke's place of employment or residence, or by publication. When served on either Burke or a depository in which he maintains any accounts holding client funds, this order shall constitute an injunction against withdrawal of the proceeds except in accordance with the terms of this order. See SCR 102(1)(d)(3). The parties shall comply with the provisions of SCR 115 and SCR 121.1.

It is so ORDERED.¹

Cadish, C.J.

Stiglich, J.

Herndon, J.

Parraguirre, J.

Pickering, J.

Lee, J.

Bell, J.

FOOTNOTES

1.   This is our final disposition of this matter. Any new proceedings shall be docketed under a new docket number.