John Worldpeace (not) was released from federal prison on December 19, 2008. Beware.

The State Bar of Texas disbarred John Worldpeace based on the following five matters.

On Aug. 27, John WorldPeace [#21872800], 55, of Houston was disbarred. The 269th District Court of Harris County found that in one matter, WorldPeace was retained to regain ownership of a truck. A contract was signed in which the client would pay a non-refundable retainer of $2,500 plus one-third of any gross recovery. The client paid the nonrefundable retainer and understood the contract to be that she would pay all expenses and a percentage of any cash recovery. A judgment was entered in the lawsuit awarding the client ownership of the truck and a monetary award of $3,000 to be made in monthly installments to WorldPeace for the benefit of the client. When the client had not received the payments as ordered, she contacted WorldPeace to request an accounting, which he failed to provide. WorldPeace failed to deposit funds received on behalf of the client into a trust account or keep the funds separate during his dispute with the client. He engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, fraud, or misrepresentation.

In a second matter, WorldPeace was retained for representation in a civil matter involving a mortgage company. A $500 retainer was paid and the client provided the mortgage company with WorldPeace’s contact information. The client gave WorldPeace all her original documents associated with her claim and WorldPeace assured the client that he would copy the documents for her client file and return the originals to her the following day. Despite numerous requests that he do so, WorldPeace failed to return any of the original documents. He performed no meaningful legal services on the matter, and the client had to pay the mortgage company the entire amount she had retained WorldPeace to dispute. WorldPeace failed to respond to notice of the complaint, appear at the disciplinary hearing, or produce the file.

In a third matter, WorldPeace was retained to modify portions of a divorce decree to prevent a minor from moving out of state. Temporary orders were entered that prevented the relocation of the minor. A few months later, the temporary orders were lifted, subject to a visitation agreement, pending the trial, which was set for two months later. Prior to the trial setting, the client made an effort to comply with the court’s orders. The client was aware of the trial date and was prepared to attend the trial. A few days before the trial, WorldPeace informed the client that the trial setting was canceled and that it was unnecessary for the client to attend. However, the trial setting was not cancelled. WorldPeace failed to appear for the hearing. The trial took place as scheduled and the temporary orders were modified, allowing the minor to be moved out of state. WorldPeace failed to respond to notice of the complaint, appear at the disciplinary hearing, or produce the file.

In a fourth matter, WorldPeace was retained for representation in a civil matter regarding a contract dispute. WorldPeace was paid $100 to draft a demand letter and $375 to file a lawsuit. All other fees would be paid on a contingency fee basis, but WorldPeace failed to execute a written contingency fee agreement. The demand letter was drafted, but no lawsuit was filed. WorldPeace failed to perform any meaningful legal services for the client other than writing the described letter. Throughout the representation, the client attempted to contact WorldPeace by telephone to obtain the status of her lawsuit, but he failed to respond. The client filed a complaint against WorldPeace with the State Bar of Texas. WorldPeace failed to respond to notice of the complaint.

In a fifth matter, WorldPeace was retained to file a lawsuit against three insurance companies under a statute regarding storage of vehicles and insurance companies. He was paid a retainer of $930 and provided with original paperwork. WorldPeace informed the client that the lawsuits would be filed within two weeks, but failed to file them or perform any meaningful legal services. After weeks of inactivity, the client attempted to contact WorldPeace by telephone and was informed that he was unavailable. The client left numerous telephone messages, but WorldPeace failed to return them. The client sent WorldPeace a letter demanding that he return his original documents and refund his retainer, but WorldPeace failed to respond. WorldPeace did not follow the client’s instructions to sue the insurance companies. The client sent WorldPeace a second letter demanding his original documents and a refund of the retainer fee, but WorldPeace failed to respond or return the client’s papers and property.

WorldPeace violated Rules 1.01(b)(1), 1.02(a)(1), 1.03(a) and (b), 1.04(d), 1.06(q)(4), 1.14(a), (b), and (c), 1.15(d), and 8.04(a)(3) and (a)(8). He was ordered to pay $31,260 in attorney’s fees, $3,365 in restitution, and $2,801 in costs. He has filed a motion for new trial.