The Supreme Court of Georgia has suspended attorney Stephen Earl Whitted from practicing law in the state. This decision comes after Whitted faced disciplinary actions in Maryland, where he was indefinitely suspended for filing frivolous lawsuits. The ruling affects Whitted's ability to practice law in Georgia until further notice.
Whitted, who is a member of both the Georgia and Maryland State Bars, was found to have engaged in misconduct while practicing law. His actions included filing numerous baseless lawsuits against his ex-wife, her new husband, their attorneys, and judicial officers. The Maryland Supreme Court's decision to suspend him was based on these violations, which took place primarily in Washington state.
The case reached the Georgia Supreme Court after the State Bar of Georgia issued a notice of reciprocal discipline based on Whitted's suspension in Maryland. Under Georgia law, attorneys who face disciplinary actions in other states may also face similar consequences in Georgia. Whitted contested the disciplinary action, arguing that his due process rights were violated during the Maryland proceedings.
The court ruled on September 9, 2026, agreeing with the State Disciplinary Review Board's recommendation to suspend Whitted from practicing law in Georgia. The Review Board found that Whitted did not provide sufficient evidence to warrant a different punishment than what was imposed in Maryland. The court stated, "Whitted has failed to establish that any of the factors outlined in GRPC 9.4(b)(3) warrant a different punishment, either greater or less than that imposed in Maryland."
The ruling emphasizes that Whitted's suspension will remain in effect until the Maryland Supreme Court modifies or dissolves its order. This means that Whitted cannot practice law in Georgia until he addresses the issues that led to his suspension in Maryland. The court also noted that Whitted is obligated to inform the Georgia State Bar of any further disciplinary actions taken against him.
This suspension has significant implications for Whitted's legal career. It sets a clear precedent that attorneys who engage in misconduct in one state may face similar repercussions in others, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct among legal professionals. The ruling serves as a reminder that attorneys are held accountable for their actions across state lines.
Whitted's case highlights the challenges faced by attorneys who violate professional conduct rules. The Georgia Supreme Court's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. It also underscores the collaborative nature of disciplinary actions among different states, ensuring that attorneys cannot evade accountability by practicing in multiple jurisdictions.
Looking ahead, Whitted has the option to appeal the decision or seek modifications to his suspension once the Maryland Supreme Court takes further action. However, details regarding any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing. As it stands, Whitted's future in the legal profession remains uncertain until he can resolve the issues that led to his suspension.