ROTA lawyer Robert H. Myers Jr. said the CNMI Bar Association’s disciplinary committee is investigating an allegation that he engaged in unauthorized practice of law.
On Feb. 7, 2020, the local bar association notified Myers of the CNMI Supreme Court’s decision to suspend him from the practice of law in the Commonwealth courts effective May 17, 2019.
Myers had failed to pay his 2019 bar membership dues.
Because he had been suspended for more than six months and failed to apply for reinstatement, the CNMI Bar said it had asked the chief justice to terminate Myers’ right to practice law in the Commonwealth.
Assistant Attorney General Vina Seelam, who was appointed by the CNMI Bar to investigate the allegation against Myers, cited news reports about Rota Casino Gaming Commission officials referring to Myers as their legal counsel.
In his response to the CNMI Bar, Myers said: “This appears to be politically motivated. I have not been paid for giving legal advice on Rota. I have given free advice to whoever asks to help my people and community. This is because no other lawyer in the CNMI wants to help my people for free. If any of you want to, please help.”
Myers said the Rota Casino Gaming Commission “believed” he was their lawyer, “but I just helped them because their former attorneys ran away from them because there was no money.”
He added, “[If] you want to take away my license then go ahead. I’m not making any money. In fact, I was on food stamps. I will let the public know how you guys operate.”
Myers said “if someone wants me to help them file a probate, I will help them for free. If someone needs a deed, I’ll help them without pay. That’s what I’m doing here.”
Asked for comment, Seelam said the rules and procedures require the bar’s disciplinary committee to maintain confidentiality about all matters.
“Therefore, we are unable to comment, nor can we confirm whether a disciplinary action against this particular individual has been initiated,” she added.
