A Washington attorney has opted to step away from practice indefinitely, choosing to resign in lieu of facing formal disciplinary action over a series of ethical concerns.

Robert Patrick Brouillard, admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in November 1990, submitted his resignation on June 12, 2026. The move follows an investigation by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which identified issues involving client fund handling and sworn statements during proceedings.

Brouillard signed a sworn declaration in Shoreline acknowledging the allegations against him. Though he stopped short of admitting fault outright, he explained in the filing that he preferred to close his membership rather than contest the claims.

Under Washington Supreme Court guidelines, his resignation carries the weight of a disbarment. He also agreed to cover $1,500 in administrative costs and repay $7,500 in restitution to one former client, with interest accruing at 12 percent annually.

Probation and Trust Account Deficiencies

Brouillard had already been operating under a two-year probation after receiving a formal reprimand on June 30, 2023, for earlier missteps in trust account management. During this supervised period, the ODC reported lapses in maintaining up-to-date client records, unauthorized withdrawals exceeding deposited amounts, and delays in submitting financial reports for scheduled quarterly reviews.

When the disciplinary office issued subpoenas for outstanding documentation, the attorney reportedly responded incompletely, prompting further scrutiny.

The Garcia Grievance

A turning point came after Arnold Garcia, a personal injury client represented starting in July 2022, filed a grievance in early 2025. His case concluded with a $7,000 settlement in September 2024, with $1,104.10 earmarked to cover a subrogation claim from The Hartford.

After The Hartford waived its claim in October 2024, Brouillard moved the $1,104.10 into his operating account without explicit permission from Garcia. Records indicate he subsequently used those funds for personal purposes.

He also communicated selectively with Garcia and his daughter, suggesting negotiations were ongoing or that the insurer had already received payment—despite the funds having been reallocated months earlier. Although Brouillard issued a reimbursement check to Garcia in March 2025, the ODC noted that false assertions made during the grievance process, including sworn testimony, contributed to the disciplinary action.

The Thompson Grievance

The $7,500 restitution obligation stems from a separate matter involving Martin Thompson, an out-of-state client who engaged Brouillard in November 2024. Thompson retained him to manage two Washington probate cases tied to mineral rights for oil development.

After depositing Thompson’s $7,500 advance fee into trust, Brouillard reportedly completed minimal work before reclassifying the entire sum as earned fees by December 2024. By January 2025, those funds had been spent on a mix of personal and business needs.

Despite repeated emails requesting updates, Thompson received limited feedback. In January 2025, Brouillard informed him he had met and corresponded with several key figures involved in the estates—a claim not substantiated by documentation or contemporaneous records.

The Office of the Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) alleged that the unauthorized withdrawal of client funds violated professional conduct rules, including a rule against committing the crime of theft.

Resignation Terms

Under the terms of the resignation agreement, the attorney is permanently barred from seeking reinstatement to the Washington bar.

He is required to disclose his resignation in lieu of discipline to any future employer who inquires about the status of his law license.

Additionally, the attorney must notify any other jurisdictions or professional licensing agencies where he is admitted of his resignation, acknowledging that it could be treated as a disbarment elsewhere.