The Supreme Court of Georgia has issued a decisive ruling against attorney Nathaniel Watson Cochran, imposing a one-year suspension from the practice of law. The sanction, handed down on May 28, 2025, addresses severe professional misconduct stemming from client abandonment, failure to communicate, and a lack of cooperation with disciplinary authorities.
The Court emphasized the need for a strict punishment to protect the public, particularly given Cochran’s prior disciplinary history.
The Charges: Abandonment and Neglect
The disciplinary action arose from a complaint filed by a single client (referred to as “the Grievant”) whom Cochran represented in a home construction dispute starting in April 2020.
- Failure to Act (Rule 1.3 – Diligence): After accepting a $4,500 retainer, Cochran failed to follow through on his promise to file a lawsuit against the contractor. His last communication was a promise to file suit within a month, which he never fulfilled.
- Failure to Communicate (Rule 1.4 – Communication): Cochran subsequently abandoned the client, ignoring repeated requests for updates on the case status.
- Failure to Refund/Account: When the client terminated the representation and requested a refund and her case file, Cochran provided neither the file nor an accounting of the retainer. The client was ultimately forced to pursue a civil lawsuit against Cochran to recover the unearned fees, resulting in a $7,750 settlement.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
The disciplinary process was complicated by Cochran’s failure to formally respond to the State Bar’s complaint, leading to a default judgment against him.
- Aggravating Factors: The Court cited Cochran’s prior disciplinary offense (a 2023 Letter of Admonition for similar violations) as evidence of a pattern of misconduct. His failure to cooperate with the disciplinary process and his substantial legal experience (including time as an Assistant Magistrate Judge) were also counted against him.
- Mitigating Factors: Cochran offered evidence of personal challenges, including contracting COVID-19 and caring for family members affected by the virus. However, the Court ultimately found these were outweighed by the aggravating factors and the harm caused to the client, who had to litigate just to recover her own money.
- The Sanction: Rejecting a lighter six-month suspension recommendation from the Review Board, the Supreme Court imposed a one-year suspension from the practice of law, effective immediately.
This case serves as a clear reminder that in Georgia, client abandonment, especially when coupled with prior discipline and a failure to cooperate, will result in a lengthy period of suspension.