Reposted: It is a larger issue with Mark Gifford than just immunity. The bigger issue is character. Bar counsel is supposed to evaluate whether Wyoming attorneys are acting ethically. That is not possible when bar counsel's ethics are quite questionable or missing.
Reposted: I am uncomfortable with Mark Gifford given his treatment of women. He should not be bar counsel.
How do we know that this is anonymous and that we won't suffer his wrath by posting here?
ReplyDeleteI have a fear that I will be labeled a terrorist by using this website. Why does it look like a 4chan board?
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of this site is to allow anyone concerned with the conduct of Mark Gifford to comment. Wyoming Bar Watch has received addtional comments about Mr. Gifford and will post those comments. Wyoming lawyers are understandably concerned to speak publicly about Mr. Gifford given his willingness to investigate lawyers whom he has past conflicts with outside of his role as bar counsel. The blog allows anonymous comment for this reason.
ReplyDeleteOK, folks, now come a few observations from outside the legal profession, a non-attorney if you will, but someone familiar with the antics of this Wyoming Bar Association prosecutor. This Mark Gifford guy is a real piece of work, to the point where his questionable integrity and unethical behavior should have already been brought to light by those to whom he supposedly answers – and dealt with long before it ever reached this stage. The basis of the problem, and the reason he continues to get by with his behavior, is that he’s an integral part of the good-ol’-boy network that controls the Association, where it’s common practice to cover each other’s butts and do special favors for your buddies within the system. It’s all about power. I know how these networks operate because back in my day I was there – and now, not so proud for it. If you doubt Gifford’s success within the system, check deeply into the background of his appointment to the post he now fills. Seek how, where and from whom he received his support. You should note the two attorneys from the same law firm that were involved in the process. Observations are that he has since appeared to do special favors there on occasion.
ReplyDeleteThe guy’s a bully, pure and simple. He comes down on you, you decide to take it to hearing and he is the one to actually handpick the “jury”. The Board of Professional Responsibilities is supposedly charged with the task and being an unbiased jury. Shouldn’t the judge/jury and appellate court be unbiased and un-connected to the prosecutor supposedly bringing “facts” to trial? Further, it’s said he simply threatens, not investigates. Then, it’s tough to appeal because the appellate court pays half his salary – and guess what? Word on the street is that he has a very, very special relationship with one of the justices. I believe an earlier blog mentioned something to the effect that he’s not above sleeping around to his advantage. Now, true or not, such statements circulating about out in public certainly cast serious doubt upon the honesty, integrity and intentions of the Wyoming legal system, particularly the Wyoming Bar Association and the highest court. Do you folks, the practicing attorneys in Wyoming, really have any idea about what goes on within the top echelon of your association, or is it just the “good ol’ boys” who know? Is keeping this guy employed at an exorbitant salary – or even keeping him employed at all - worth it? The State Bar has spent considerable time defending Gifford. Maybe they should spend that time in investigation, reflection and change, etc…. He, and the system, have to be changed.
Deut. 17: 19. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality;….