Missouri Supreme Court weighs disbarment in former Cape Girardeau attorney discipline case

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MISSOURI (KBSI) – The Missouri Supreme Court is considering a disciplinary case against attorney Adam Edward Gohn, according to an informant’s brief filed by the state’s chief disciplinary counsel.

The case, filed under Supreme Court Rule 5, alleges Gohn committed professional misconduct involving client fees, diligence, communication, trust account handling and recordkeeping, along with allegations of dishonesty and failure to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.

The brief says the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel opened an audit of Gohn’s trust accounting practices after receiving a client complaint. Investigators allege Gohn repeatedly failed to provide requested records, did not fully comply with multiple follow-up requests, and failed to appear with records after being served with a subpoena, later appearing for a rescheduled sworn statement without the requested documents.

According to the brief, an audit of multiple accounts from August 2020 through June 2024 found Gohn did not regularly reconcile his client trust account and failed to timely disburse some settlement funds owed to clients and third parties. The brief alleges the trust account balance fell below the amount required to cover all client obligations on at least two occasions.

The filing also details alleged discrepancies in several client matters, including claims of undisbursed settlement funds, incomplete or unsigned settlement statements, missing documentation, and disputes over fees taken from client funds. The disciplinary hearing panel is described as finding multiple rule violations, including misappropriation of client and third-party funds, and the brief asks the court to disbar Gohn.

Gohn previously operated a Missouri practice before closing it in 2023 and moving to Chicago, according to the filing. The brief notes his Missouri law license was later changed from active to inactive.