In the Matter of Shelitha Renee Robertson

Shelitha Renee Robertson, a Georgia attorney admitted to the Bar since 1996, was found guilty in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. She asked the Supreme Court of Georgia to suspend her law license voluntarily while she appeals those convictions, rather than face disciplinary proceedings right away. Robertson acknowledged that her convictions violate the state's professional conduct rules governing serious crimes, a violation that can carry disbarment as the maximum punishment. The State Bar of Georgia agreed with her request. The court reviewed the petition and accepted it, ordering her suspended from practicing law until her appeal is resolved and the court issues a further order.

The court held that a Georgia attorney's petition for voluntary interim suspension, filed after federal convictions for wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering that violate the rule against serious crimes, should be accepted, suspending her license pending the outcome of her direct appeal.

The suspension protects clients and the public by barring Robertson from practicing law while serious federal fraud convictions are pending on appeal, while preserving her right to seek reinstatement if the convictions are overturned or resolved favorably.

Petition for interim suspension accepted; suspended until further order

1. Robertson admitted she was convicted in federal court of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and money laundering, and acknowledged these convictions violate Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(a)(2), which bars attorneys from committing serious crimes.
2. Because a violation of Rule 8.4(a)(2) can carry disbarment as the maximum penalty, the court treated the matter as one warranting formal action on her license rather than routine review.
3. The State Bar of Georgia reviewed Robertson's petition and filed a response recommending it be granted, supporting the request for a voluntary interim suspension.
4. The court looked to its own precedent accepting similar petitions for voluntary suspension pending appeal of criminal convictions, and for interim suspension during pending criminal charges, to guide its decision.
5. Relying on that precedent and the Bar's recommendation, the court accepted Robertson's petition and ordered her suspended from practicing law until her direct appeal is resolved and the court enters a further order.

• attorney suspension
• wire fraud conviction
• money laundering
• State Bar of Georgia
• interim suspension pending appeal