Legal Ethics

Court Rules 'BOOM SHAKALAKA' Is Not An Argument

Please note, 'BOOM SHAKALAKA' is not compelling.

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Oh, this is a fun one.

Massachusetts lawyer Ilya Liviz was suspended for failing to comply with a state bar misconduct investigation in April of 2019. And, according to the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, Liviz continued to render legal services, which led to his being held in contempt of court.

According to Bloomberg Law, Liviz argued he did comply with the misconduct probe because he wrote, “SILENCE. (BOOM SHAKALAKA).” Yup, that’s all.

Liviz argued that he did respond to the bar counsel’s investigation, the high court noted.

“The respondent alleged that he ‘DID COMPLY, and DID PROVIDE AN ANSWER, and my answer was provided in a form of SILENCE. (BOOM SHAKALAKA),’” the court said, adding, “He also stated that, to the extent an answer was required, he “formally den[ied], and demand[ed] a Jury Trial.”

But the court disagreed, finding Liviz made “no meaningful attempt to challenge on appeal the second single justice’s order adjudging him in contempt for failing to comply with the first single justice’s order of administrative suspension.” The court considered “the facts alleged in bar counsel’s complaint for contempt established for purposes of appeal.” And, “We need go no further.” Both the suspension and contempt order were affirmed.

And now I have this awful song stuck in my head. You’re welcomed.

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UPDATE: An ATL tipster noted this is the BOOM SHAKALAKA song I should have linked to. And, well, I stand corrected.

headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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