JEFFERSON CITY – Phoenix, Arizona attorney Cynthia L. Best has been reciprocally suspended following a March 16 Missouri Supreme Court order and her suspension over the same matter in Arizona and Texas.
Best's suspension in Missouri was indefinite with no application for reinstatement to be entertained by the Missouri high court for six months from the date of its March 16 order. Best also was ordered to pay costs.
The Missouri Supreme Court took its action against Best after the chief disciplinary counsel filed its information and motion for reciprocal discipline, which the high court sustained, according to its order.
Best was admitted to the bar in Texas on Nov. 18, 1999, according to her profile at the State Bar of Texas' website, which lists her primary practice location as East High Street in Phoenix.
Best was suspended in Arizona last May following an order issued by a presiding disciplinary judge in that state, which accepted an agreement for consent discipline filed with that court the previous month. Best also was required to pay $1,232.01 in costs and expenses to the State Bar of Arizona, according to that order.
In October, Best was suspended in Texas following an Arizona Supreme Court Order over alleged violations of professional conduct rules in that state, according to the December edition of the Texas Bar Journal. Best allegedly violated professional conduct rules related to meritorious claims and contentions, fairness to opposing party and counsel, respect for the rights of others and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, according to the Texas Bar Journal report.
The Texas board of disciplinary appeals filed its petition for reciprocal discipline on Aug. 25 and signed an agreed judgment of suspension on Oct. 9. Best was reciprocally suspended in Texas for 60 days, from Oct. 10 until Dec. 9, according to the Texas Bar Journal report.
Best was reinstated in Arizona following a presiding disciplinary judge's order in August.