JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Supreme Court has ruled to disbar criminal defense attorney Michael Bert from the practice of law.
The St. Louis attorney was found culpable in matters of misconduct not outlined in the court documents for Supreme Court Case No. SC95984. The attorney did not submit a response to the disciplinary charges, and a default was entered on his behalf.
Bert was a former prosecutor-turned-defense attorney with accolades from various agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency and the St. Louis County Police Department, according to the attorney's website. He was licensed for over 15 years and specialized in defending violent crimes, both federal and state drug crimes, driving while intoxicated offenses, internet crimes and property crimes.
Following the court's disbarment ruling, the attorney must comply with Rule 5.27 of the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct. Bert is not allowed to accept new retainers for services or act as a lawyer in any new cases. He is required to withdraw from any pending litigation he is involved in and notify all of his current clients and necessary counselors of his status. He is required to submit his lawyer’s license to the Supreme Court clerk within 15 days of the ruling and will need to return any unearned fees. Lastly, the attorney must notify any opposing counsel in any pending matters of the ruling.
The Missouri Supreme Court is located in Jefferson City and was established in 1821 as the highest court in the state. It is presided over by seven justices: Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge and justices Laura Denvri Stith, Mary Rhodes Russell, Zei Fischer, George W. Draper III and Paul C. Wilson. The seventh seat is currently vacant following the death of Justice Richard Teiteiman. Missouri Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and serve a 12-year term.