Editor’s Note: Law Week Colorado edits court opinion summaries for style and, when necessary, length.
In 2021, Matthew Greife was suspended for three years for neglecting two separate bankruptcy matters, failing to keep his clients reasonably informed, charging nonrefundable fees, failing to maintain required financial records and recklessly converting client funds.
After Greife’s law license was suspended in Colorado, he stepped away from practicing law and devoted himself to academia. As a professor, a hearing board found he has affected positive social and legal change through teaching, research, writing, presenting and serving as a pro bono expert witness. But it determined those important academic contributions do not signal his rehabilitation as a lawyer.
In his reinstatement proceeding, the board determined Greife didn’t demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he is rehabilitated from his misconduct or that he is fit to practice law.
The board ordered that he is not entitled to be reinstated to the practice of law in Colorado at this time, and he may not petition for reinstatement for another two years.