Background
Bar Counsel filed a July 2026 petition for disciplinary or remedial action against Paul Gerard Wersant. The petition alleged that Wersant had been disbarred in Florida and the District of Columbia and sought corresponding discipline in Maryland.
The Supreme Court ordered the parties to show cause if they believed corresponding discipline should not be imposed. Bar Counsel responded on time. Wersant obtained an extension through September 18, then sought another 30-day extension on September 19; Bar Counsel opposed that request.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Maryland denied Wersant’s request for a further extension of time. It then imposed corresponding discipline under Maryland Rule 19-737(f).
The court disbarred Wersant from practicing law in Maryland, effective immediately. The Clerk was directed to provide notice under Maryland Rule 19-761.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland imposed reciprocal disbarment based on Wersant’s disbarments in Florida and the District of Columbia.
- The court denied Wersant’s request for an additional 30 days to respond to the show-cause order.
- The Maryland disbarment took effect immediately.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates Maryland’s use of corresponding discipline when an attorney has been disbarred in other jurisdictions. It also shows that a respondent’s failure to obtain further time to oppose reciprocal discipline may leave the court to act on the existing record.