Attorney Mariano Morales Jr. of Yakima; repeat offender

The state of Washington presented Mariano Morales Jr. with a law license in 
1989 after he graduated from Catholic University of America Law School. 

The Washington State Bar found Mariano guilty of the following misconduct. 

Mariano’s 1st bite at the attorney Misfit Apple Tree

In one matter, a potential client contacted Morales on the telephone regarding possible 
representation in an employment dispute. Mariano told the potential client that he did not 
handle employment matters and referred her to another lawyer. 

Mariano then contacted the potential client’s supervisor, whom he personally knew, in an 
effort to warn him that the potential client was contemplating litigation. Mariano went on to 
tell the supervisor that the employer should get its files in order in the event that the potential 
client hired another lawyer. 

It’s obvious that Mariano didn’t much give a damn about his duty to not divulge client 
confidences. 

As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Attorney Misfits sitting on the 
Washington State Supreme Court punished Mariano by gifting him with a complimentary 
censure. 

Mariano’s 2nd bite at the attorney Misfit Apple Tree

In one matter, Mariano engaged in an egregious conflict of interest. He also submitted a 
declaration using a client’s secrets to her disadvantage. 

In this instance, Mariano represented a husband in a criminal proceeding alleging that his 
client assaulted his wife. When the couple wanted to reconcile, Mariano represented the wife 
in her attempt to modify, and later terminate, the no-contact order issued in the criminal 
proceeding. 

Six months later, the husband filed for dissolution of the marriage and moved for ex parte 
(one-sided) for a restraining order requiring the wife to vacate the family home. In support of 
the husband’s motion, Mariano signed a declaration stating he had great concern that the wife, 
out of anger, would falsely charge the husband with assault. 

As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Attorney Misfits sitting on the 
Washington State Supreme Court punished Mariano by gifting him with a complimentary 
reprimand. 

As we speak (March 2014), Mariano practices with the Morales Law Office at 1410 North 
16th Avenue in Yakima, Washington.