PORTLAND, Maine — A former Vassalboro lawyer who previously practiced in Waterville has been suspended from practicing law in the state of Maine.
Matthew E. Clark, who formerly practiced at Weeks & Hutchins in Waterville, was suspended by Associate Justice Donald G. Alexander on Tuesday.
Clark was previously suspended in January for three months after he was found to have misrepresented a client in a 2012 divorce proceeding and failed to advise the client of his right to appeal, which prevented the client from being able to appeal, according to the order.
On Tuesday, Alexander ruled that during the same time period, Clark failed to adequately represent another client by failing to communicate, charging excessive fees, neglecting a Superior Court matter and failing to pursue appellate rights.
As in January, Alexander noted Clark’s “severe clinical depression” and the fact that Clark did not plan to return to the practice of law. While Alexander said Clark’s violations were “serious,” he said that they occurred “during a time when he was experiencing a very debilitating depression,” which while not excusing the misconduct, was a mitigating factor.
Clark has not practiced since January, and told the court he does not plan to resume his practice, according to the order.
Alexander suspended Clark, retroactively, to the initial three-month suspension.
According to the order, Clark “informed the court that … he participated in intensive treatment for his depression and has experienced some relief from that serious condition. Clark expressed remorse and regret for the manner in which he treated [the client]. He agrees that such treatment was unfair, improper and unprofessional.”
As a result of Tuesday’s order, Clark must remain on the list of registered, inactive attorneys. Should he decide to return to practicing law, he must first petition the court, submit his practice to monitoring and meet other conditions.