Washington Supreme Court Bars Cultural Defense in Lawyer Misconduct Case
Washington Supreme Court rejects cultural difference defense in lawyer discipline case.
Why it matters: The ruling clarifies that ethical accountability standards apply uniformly to all lawyers, regardless of cultural background. It limits the use of cultural differences as a defense or mitigating factor in attorney misconduct cases.
- June 11, 2026: Washington Supreme Court affirms disbarment of Shakespear N. Feyissa.
- Feyissa cited Ethiopian cultural norms allowing lying to please others as defense.
- Court holds cultural differences cannot excuse or lessen lawyer misconduct sanctions.
- Decision enforces uniform ethical obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct across all attorneys.
On June 11, 2026, the Washington Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Feyissa affirming the disbarment of attorney Shakespear N. Feyissa for multiple misconduct counts, including dishonesty.
Born in Ethiopia, Feyissa argued that his dishonesty should be mitigated due to cultural differences. He referenced testimony that, in Ethiopian culture, lying is acceptable if it results in making others happy.
The court emphatically rejected this cultural defense, stating, "The hearing officer made the sustainable legal conclusion that this cultural difference 'does not exempt Respondent from his professional obligations under the RPCs, and thus cannot be accepted as a reason to mitigate Respondent's conduct as a lawyer.'"
This ruling underscores that attorneys must adhere to the same ethical standards—outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs)—irrespective of cultural background.
The disciplinary hearing lasted 12 days and considered six counts of misconduct, though specific details of each count have not been publicly disclosed. The court’s decision sets a clear precedent: cultural background cannot be used to justify or reduce sanctions for professional misconduct among lawyers.
This clarification addresses a complex intersection of cultural norms and professional ethics, ensuring uniform accountability within the legal profession in Washington state.
By the numbers:
- June 11, 2026 — Date of Washington Supreme Court ruling
- 6 — Number of counts of misconduct against Feyissa
- 12 days — Length of disciplinary hearing