Court disciplines local attorney Michael Carr

Attorney Michael D. Carr has been suspended from practicing law in Delaware and ordered to hand over the keys to his Rehoboth Beach law practice.

According to a Dec. 23 press release from the Delaware Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Carr's misconduct included failure to maintain his firm's books and records, misrepresentations on his annual registration statements and certificates of compliance, and failure to pay state and federal taxes in a timely manner.

Supreme Court justices Randy Holland, Henry duPont Ridgely and Jack Jacobs issued a Dec. 19 order against Carr, stating the attorney engaged in professional misconduct and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public and the administration of justice.

Holland, who penned the order, also said the Office of Disciplinary Counsel must file a Court of Chancery petition to have a receiver appointed to take over Carr’s law practice.

In its press release, the counsel said it appointed Georgetown attorney Brian F. Dolan as receiver of The Law Office of Michael D. Carr.

According to the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, the Chancery Court may appoint a receiver when a lawyer who is suspended has not complied with rules stipulating the respondent must notify all clients and adverse parties of the suspension and refund any fees paid in advance.

According to the court, Dolan is responsible for notifying Carr’s clients and adverse parties in any pending litigation.

Carr was one of several attorneys who represented victims in the case against pedophile and former pediatrician Earl Bradley.  He could not be reached at press time.