High court suspends Las Vegas attorney

Monday, March 29, 2004 | 8:46 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has suspended Las Vegas attorney Robert Knott from practicing law, pending outcome of a complaint that he might have misappropriated more than $200,000.

The court said filed documents demonstrate "Knott poses a substantial threat of serious harm." The suspension is in effect until the resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him by the Nevada Bar.

Knott apparently closed his office last year but didn't notify his clients. At his request last September, the court said Knott was transferred to inactive status. But he continued to practice law, appearing in court, filing documents and conducting negotiations.

The court Friday said Knott is prohibited from withdrawing funds from his client trust account or from any other accounts, except with written approval of counsel for the Nevada Bar or from a court.

The order by the Supreme Court is effective immediately.

In another case, the court agreed to accept the voluntary disbarment of attorney G. Brent Heggie of Las Vegas. Heggie faces four disciplinary complaints filed by the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board, accusing him of conflict of interest, failing to safe keep property, disobeying a court order and failing to respond to the disciplinary board.

The court said the rules allow a lawyer to consent to disbarment if he or she faces disciplinary action.

The court also reinstated lawyer Leslie Mark Stovall, who served a two-year suspension after being convicted of filing a false tax return, a felony. The Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board and Stovall reached an agreement that he be reinstated and that he pay a $5,000 penalty.

Stovall has already paid the $5,000.

The court also accepted the resignation of attorney Lona Lea Webb from the Nevada Bar. She was suspended for one year by the Oregon Supreme Court. She has not practiced in Nevada for four years and she lives in Missouri, where she does not practice law.

The resignation is irrevocable.