Harding’s license suspended
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Alan Harding, 58, a Presque Isle lawyer who pleaded guilty to charges of six misdemeanor counts each of failing to file and failing to pay Maine income taxes, and who was subsequently sentenced to serve time in jail next month for not paying his state income taxes, has now agreed to a six-month suspension of his license to practice law, as reported by the Maine Overseers of the Bar.
Arie Eee, assistant bar counsel for the board, noted Thursday that it’s expected all but one of the six months will be suspended.
Under the agreement, Harding’s law practice will be monitored by a Bangor lawyer. Eee said Harding will also be required to take Continuing Legal Education classes about law practice management.
Maine Supreme Judicial Court Justice Joseph Jabar is expected to make the agreement, including the dates of Harding’s suspension, final later this month when he issues a ruling.
Marvin Glazier, Harding’s lawyer, had no comment at presstime.
Harding appeared in Kennebec County Superior Court in June, pleading guilty to not filing and paying approximately $100,000 in state income taxes over a six-year period — through 2009.
Harding was later sentenced to 120 days in jail by Superior Court Justice Donald Marden, with all but 10 days suspended. Back taxes were paid by Harding before the sentencing, according to court records.
The Board of Overseers investigating the nonpayment of taxes — one of five complaints it looked into, including Harding’s neglect and/or mishandling of clients’ cases. One involved a Hampden woman’s dispute with the town over backup of sewage; the second by a man who had hired Harding to file bankruptcy; and a third case involved a woman’s personal injury case and subsequent settlement — all three, according to the petition for suspension, Harding failed to respond to in a timely manner.
The fourth complaint involved a Presque Isle doctor’s dispute with a local hospital. Harding reportedly offered to serve as mediator without first consulting with his client, the doctor. According to the Code of Conduct that governs lawyers, this was deemed a conflict of interest. Harding also violated other rules in his representation of the physician, noted Eee.
The Board of Overseers recommended Harding’s suspension but didn’t specify for how long in its petition. Harding’s attorney, Glazier, opposed the suspension, indicating it would be detrimental to the lawyer’s staff, family and clients.
Since 1978, Harding has been a practicing attorney in Maine.
