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Rhonda M. Simpson (2024)
THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SUPREME COURT
ORDER LD-2024-0009, In the Matter of Rhonda Simpson, Esquire On June 5, 2024, the Attorney Discipline Office (ADO) notified the court that Attorney Rhonda Simpson has been indicted by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire on two felony counts (conspiracy to submit false claims to the federal government and conspiracy to make false statements to the federal government) and has agreed to plead guilty to count 2, conspiracy to make false statements to the federal government. The ADO, which has further notified this court that the federal court has not yet accepted the plea agreement, recommends that this court “institute formal proceedings, pursuant to Rule 37(9)(i), that result in Ms. Simpson’s immediate suspension from the practice of law.” Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 37(9)(i), “[wlhenever an attorney is indicted or bound over for any felony, the court shall take such actions as it deems necessary, including but not limited to the suspension of the attorney.” This court has ruled that it may impose an interim suspension pending the resolution of a criminal charge in accordance with this provision when it is deemed necessary for: (1) for the protection of the public; and (2) the preservation of the integrity of the legal profession. See Gallant’s Case, 170 N.H. 528, 534-35 (2017); see also Rule 37(16)(f). Considering the nature of the alleged felony offenses and the terms of the plea agreement, the court finds that Attorney Simpson’s immediate suspension from the practice of law is necessary for the protection of the public and the preservation of the integrity of the legal profession. See Rule 37(9)(i) and (16)(d), (. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered: (1) In accordance with Rule 37(9)(i) and (16)(f), Attorney Rhonda Simpson is immediately suspended from the practice of law in New Hampshire on a temporary basis pending further order of this court. (2) A copy of this order and of the ADO’s filing shall be served on Attorney Simpson by first-class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested. A copy of this order shall also be sent to the ADO and to Attorney Simpson’s criminal-defense counsel electronically. (3) On or before July 3, 2024, Attorney Simpson may request a hearing on the issue of whether the interim suspension should be lifted; and if
she does so, the hearing will be promptly scheduled. See Gallant’s Case, 170 N.H. at 535. (4) Attorney Simpson is enjoined from transferring, assigning, hypothecating, or in any manner disposing of or conveying any assets of clients, whether real, personal, beneficial or mixed. On or before July 3, 2024, the ADO shall advise the court if it recommends the appointment of counsel to inventory Attorney Simpson’s files and to protect the interests of her clients. MacDonald, C.J., and Bassett, Hantz Marconi, Donovan, and Countway JJ., concurred. DATE: June 18, 2024 er ite Timothy A. Gudas, Clerk
Distribution: Brian R. Moushegian, Esquire Rhonda Simpson, Esquire William E. Christie, Esquire File