Arizona attorney Peter K. Strojnik of Phoenix was suspended for 30 days after using inappropriate means to compel a settlement.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court accepted an agreement for discipline by consent between Strojnik and the State Bar of Arizona that resulted in his suspension from the practice of law.
Strojnik filed a complaint in Federal Court alleging sexual harassment of his client. In his demand to defendants, he inappropriately threatened to use press releases to alert the public of the sexual allegations to facilitate settlement.
Strojnik also told opposing party he had devised several methods of public shaming that included creating a website regarding the sexual allegations and personally posted unprofessional comments; assured he would motivate “shame on” protestors to demonstrate in front of their business; and asserted that his efforts would garner coverage by the CBS 5 Investigates program.
Adding to the list of threats, Strojnik told the opposing party he had scheduled meetings with police and the Department of Justice regarding the lawsuit alleging the hiring and harboring of undocumented workers.
Strojnik stopped the questionable behavior after he was warned that his conduct was actionable under Arizona law and in violation of his ethical obligations.
Approximately five weeks passed and he reverted to his previous conduct as settlement efforts broke down, threatening to destroy the defendant’s business.
Strojnik’s 30-day suspension will be effective on Dec. 16, 2016. He was ordered to serve a two-year probation period upon reinstatement and must pay $1,210.25 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expense incurred during proceedings. He must also undergo intensive outpatient chemical dependency (IOPCD) treatment and must comply with standard Member Assistant Program terms as set forth in probation terms prepared by the State Bar compliance monitor.