The Maryland Court of Appeals has disbarred attorney John S. Lopatto III effective immediately. This decision comes after a joint petition for disbarment was filed by the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland and Lopatto himself. The ruling addresses serious violations of professional conduct rules and aims to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

This ruling affects Lopatto's ability to practice law in Maryland and serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical standards in the legal field. The court's decision emphasizes that attorneys must adhere to professional conduct rules to maintain their licenses.

Background

John S. Lopatto III was a practicing attorney in Maryland. The dispute arose when the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland filed a joint petition for disbarment against him. The petition indicated that Lopatto had violated Rule 1.15(a) of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, which pertains to the handling of client funds and property.

Details about the specific violations were not available in the court filing. However, the joint petition suggests that the parties agreed on the necessity of disbarment, indicating that Lopatto acknowledged his misconduct. This case highlights the mechanisms in place for regulating attorney behavior and ensuring accountability within the legal profession.

The Ruling

The court ruled in favor of the joint petition for disbarment, stating that it is "GRANTED" and that Lopatto is disbarred from practicing law in Maryland. The ruling was made on June 18, 2026, and was signed by Senior Justice Shirley M. Watts.

The opinion stated, "Respondent agrees that his conduct... violates Rule 1.15(a) of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, and that Respondent consents to disbarment as the appropriate disposition." This clear acknowledgment of wrongdoing by Lopatto played a significant role in the court's decision.

Impact

This ruling has immediate implications for Lopatto, who can no longer practice law in Maryland. It serves as a cautionary tale for other attorneys about the importance of adhering to ethical standards. Disbarment not only affects the individual attorney but also impacts public trust in the legal profession.

By enforcing strict penalties for violations of professional conduct, the Maryland Court of Appeals aims to deter similar misconduct in the future. This case may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled, reinforcing the idea that attorneys must be held accountable for their actions.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Lopatto plans to appeal the decision. However, given the nature of the ruling and the joint petition for disbarment, an appeal may be unlikely. There are no related cases pending at this time.