Attorney Grievance Commission v. Gore

**Attorney Disciplined for Tax Violations at Restaurant** This case involved attorney James Grafton Gore, who owned Coco Loco Restaurant. For three years, Gore failed to file required sales tax returns and didn't send the collected tax money to the state of Maryland. The Attorney Grievance Commission brought disciplinary charges against him for this conduct. The court found Gore guilty of violating three Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules require attorneys to follow laws, act honestly, and maintain professional standards. The court determined that Gore's failure to handle his restaurant's tax obligations properly violated his duties as a licensed attorney. As a result, Gore faced attorney discipline, though the specific punishment isn't detailed in this summary. **What this means for workers:** This case shows that attorneys who own businesses must follow the same tax laws as any other business owner. When business owners fail to pay required taxes, it can affect their employees and the broader community. Workers should know that employers - even those who are attorneys - have legal obligations to properly handle taxes. If you notice tax-related problems at your workplace, it could be a sign of broader financial or legal issues with your employer.