‘Polygamist’ lawyers face complaint to Bar

Seven Utah lawyers are violating rules of conduct because they are polygamists, according to a new complaint filed with the Utah Bar Association.

The complaint was filed by a woman named Melissa Ellis who used to belong to a northern Utah polygamous group. She believes Utah should take action against polygamists who hold public office or professional licenses, The Salt Lake Tribune reports .

University of Utah of law professor Linda F. Smith said it’s unlikely the complaint will lead to discipline.

‘‘Lawyers have been polygamists in this state for a long time,’’ Smith said. ‘‘This isn’t that new.’’

Billy Walker, chief disciplinary counsel with an office of professional conduct that handles bar complaints in Utah, told The Associated Press that the organisation isn’t allowed to speak about any complaints.

The Tribune reports that all of the attorneys accused in the complaint declined comment.

Ellis’ complaint cites a rule that defines misconduct as when attorneys ‘‘commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness.’’

Another section of the Utah State Bar rule defines misconduct as ‘‘involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.’’

Smith, the law professor who also sits on the Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee at the Utah State Bar, said history shows that the bar doesn’t consider consensual relationships between adults to constitute ‘‘untrustworthiness.’’

She said former President Bill Clinton had his Arkansas law license was suspended for five years because he lied in a deposition — not because he committed adultery.

‘‘The focus is on honesty,’’ Smith said.

Ellis, 34, is involved in an ongoing custody dispute with an ex-husband with whom she has four children. Her ex-husband had been represented at different points by two of the lawyers in the complaint. –AP