Attorney Phillip Hineman Jr. of Phoenix; serial offender

The state of Arizona presented Thomas E. Higgins Jr. with a law license in 1975 after he graduated from the University of Arizona Law School.

The Arizona State Bar found Phil guilty of engaging in the following misconduct.

Phil’s 1^st bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree

• Failed to act with due diligence (slacker)
• Failed to provide client with accounting and itemized billing after being fired
• Failed to return unearned portion of retainer (crook)

As a consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Arizona Supreme Court punished Phil by gifting him with a complimentary censure.

Phil’s 2^nd bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree

• Charged several clients excessive fees (crook)
• Fee agreements failed to communicate or explain basis for fees
• Entered into business transaction with client to satisfy unpaid legal fees
• Failed to satisfy affirmative obligation to provide notice to client to consult with independent counsel
• Misconduct involved multiple offenses

As a consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Arizona Supreme Court punished Phil by gifting him with a second complimentary censure.

Phil’s 3^rd bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree

In one matter, a husband and wife had a trust prepared several years earlier. The husband was diagnosed with dementia and had to live with his daughter.

The daughter retained Phil to prepare a power of attorney in her favor. Although her father was not capable of making decisions for himself, Phil prepared a personal affidavit attesting to his competency to execute the document. When another family member filed suit for appointment as temporary guardian, Phil informed the court that he was representing the father and daughter.

When the issue of competency arose, the court reviewed Phil’s affidavit and determined that a conflict of interest existed in Phil’s representation of both parties.

As a consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Arizona Supreme Court punished Phil by gifting him with a third complimentary censure.

As we speak (ca. December 2014) Phil practices with The Law Office of Phil Hineman PC at 3411 North Fifth Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona.