Attorney Robert Avaunt of Gray, ME; ethical dwarf

The state of Maine presented Robert H. Avaunt with a law license in 1973 after he graduated from the University of Maine Law School.

The Maine Grievance Commission found Bobby guilty of the following misconduct.

Bobby’s practice included representing veterans. He was appointed guardian, conservator, and personal representative of the estates of various veterans. As a consequence, he prepared legal papers to formalize his appointments, paid bills, made medical decisions, and conducted other business on behalf of his clients.

While performing such work, Bobby prepared regular and detailed accountings to the Veterans' Administration (VA) and to Maine probate courts. Bobby expected close scrutiny of such accountings by the Veterans Administration, whose agents did indeed examine and occasionally question minor charges to the accounts.

On various occasions, Bobby Avaunt wrote checks to himself on the accounts of four veterans, Mr. Gregor, Mr. LaCasse, Mr. McCartney and Mr. Gildard, which checks he charged as guardianship and conservator fees on the accountings to the VA and probate courts, but which he did not disclose to the members of his law firm.

The six checks Bobby issued to himself as fees that he did not disclose to his partners totaled $3,274.56.

As a consequence of her misconduct, the Patron Saints for Attorney Misfits sitting on the grievance panel punished Bobby by gifting him with a complimentary reprimand. 

As we speak (March 2013) Bobby practices with Robert H. Avaunt, P.A. at 26 Main Street in Gray, Maine.