In a serious enforcement action to uphold the integrity of the bar, the Supreme Court of Georgia has ordered the disbarment of attorney Kathleen Strang of Albany, Georgia. The disbarment, which became effective in August 2025, was the result of a Special Master’s findings that Strang committed severe professional misconduct across multiple client matters, essentially willfully abandoning her legal duties.
A Pattern of Neglect: The Core Misconduct
The disciplinary proceedings stemmed from grievances filed by multiple clients who relied on Strang for criminal defense and post-conviction appeals. The investigation, which Strang initially failed to cooperate with, revealed a clear and damaging pattern of professional negligence and lack of diligence.
The Special Master found that Strang’s actions, or lack thereof, constituted a willful abandonment of her clients’ cases, leading to potential serious injury and anxiety for the individuals involved.
Key issues found in the four specific client matters included:
- Failure to Communicate: In multiple cases, Strang failed to communicate adequately with her clients, did not inform them of crucial court dates, and ignored their inquiries and expressed desires regarding the strategy of their cases.
- Lack of Diligence: Strang repeatedly failed to perform necessary legal work, such as obtaining transcripts needed for appeals, making timely filings, and diligently pursuing the objectives of the representation.
- Willful Abandonment: In one instance, Strang admitted that she “essentially abandoned the case” because she unilaterally determined the client’s appeal was without merit, a profound violation of her duty to consult with and abide by her client’s decisions.
- Non-Cooperation with the Bar: Strang initially earned a temporary suspension in 2023 for failing to provide adequate responses to the State Bar’s Notice of Investigation, a violation of her duty to cooperate with the disciplinary authorities.
Conclusion: The Heavy Cost of Client Neglect
The disbarment of Kathleen Strang underscores a fundamental principle of the legal profession: diligence and communication are non-negotiable.
Attorneys are ethically bound to represent their clients zealously and to keep them fully informed. When a lawyer’s neglect results in the willful abandonment of clients—especially those facing criminal conviction or imprisonment—the disciplinary action is appropriately severe. The Georgia Supreme Court’s decision to disbar Ms. Strang serves as a clear warning that client neglect, coupled with a failure to cooperate with the State Bar, is a path directly leading to the permanent loss of the privilege to practice law.