Clark County lawyer disbarred for misuse of client’s money
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Supreme Court disbarred Clark County lawyer Ronald Serota on Thursday for misappropriating a client’s money.
Serota, convicted of felony misuse of funds, argued he should instead he should be temporarily suspended from practicing law and referred to a diversion program, but the high court upheld the State Bar of Nevada’s recommendation.
The Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board recommended his disbarment for misappropriating a client’s $319,000 intended for the Security and Exchange Commission to satisfy a judgment.
In the unanimous opinion, the court pointed out that soon after the client gave Serota money for the SEC judgment, he wrote a $225,000 check to Beverage Plus, a company in which he had ownership interest. He later wrote other checks to other companies he partly owned.
“The egregiousness of his action alone justifies disbarment,” said court ruled.
Justices added the disbarment was the only appropriate discipline considering the seriousness of Serota’s actions. The client was not identified in the decision.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.
