The Supreme Court of Maryland has ordered attorney Cendoria Yvonne Dean to be indefinitely suspended from practicing law in the state for violations of multiple professional conduct rules, according to an order issued Nov. 6, 2025.
The suspension will take effect 60 days after entry of the order, giving Dean until early January 2026 before the prohibition begins. The court acted upon an amended joint petition filed by the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland seeking Dean's indefinite suspension.
Dean violated several critical rules governing attorney conduct in Maryland. The violations include Maryland Attorney's Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, which requires lawyers to provide competent representation to clients, and Rule 1.15(a) and (d), which govern the safekeeping of client property and funds.
Additionally, Dean violated Rule 8.4(a), which prohibits attorneys from violating or attempting to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, and Maryland Rule 19-410(a) and (c), which establishes requirements for attorney conduct and disciplinary procedures.
Rule 1.1 of the Maryland Attorney's Rules of Professional Conduct requires that lawyers provide competent representation, meaning they must possess the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. Violations of this rule typically involve inadequate preparation, missed deadlines, or failure to understand applicable law.
Rules 1.15(a) and (d) are among the most serious violations an attorney can commit, as they relate to the handling of client funds and property. Rule 1.15(a) requires lawyers to hold client property separate from the lawyer's own property, while Rule 1.15(d) mandates proper record-keeping for client funds. Violations often involve commingling client money with personal funds or failing to maintain proper trust account records.
Rule 8.4(a) serves as a catch-all provision that makes it professional misconduct for a lawyer to violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule is typically charged alongside other specific violations to emphasize the attorney's knowing disregard for professional standards.
Maryland Rule 19-410, part of the state's attorney disciplinary rules, establishes procedures and standards for attorney discipline. Violations of this rule suggest Dean may have failed to comply with disciplinary procedures or requirements imposed by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
The indefinite suspension represents one of the most severe forms of attorney discipline short of disbarment. Unlike a definite suspension, which has a set end date, an indefinite suspension continues until the attorney successfully petitions for reinstatement and demonstrates rehabilitation.
To seek reinstatement, Dean will need to file a petition with the court demonstrating that she has remedied the conditions that led to her suspension and is fit to practice law. The reinstatement process typically requires showing compliance with continuing legal education requirements, payment of any restitution owed to clients, and evidence of good character.
The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland, which brought the petition, serves as the state's disciplinary body for attorneys. The commission investigates complaints against lawyers and can recommend various forms of discipline, from private reprimands to disbarment, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader signed the order, which also directs the Clerk of the Court to send notice of the suspension in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761. This rule requires notification to various parties, including the attorney, relevant courts, and the public through publication.
The case was designated as AG No. 13 for the September Term 2025, indicating it was among the attorney discipline matters handled by the court during this term. The formal case name, Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Dean, reflects the standard format for attorney disciplinary proceedings in the state.
The order provides no details about the specific factual circumstances that led to the rule violations, as is typical in brief disciplinary orders. The underlying conduct that prompted the charges would have been established during proceedings before the Attorney Grievance Commission prior to the joint petition being filed.
Dean's suspension adds to the ongoing efforts by state bar authorities nationwide to maintain professional standards and protect the public from attorney misconduct. Maryland's disciplinary system, like those in other states, aims to preserve public confidence in the legal profession while providing due process protections for attorneys facing charges.
The 60-day delay before the suspension takes effect allows Dean time to conclude pending client matters and transition cases to other attorneys, protecting client interests during the disciplinary process. During this period, Dean remains authorized to practice law but must prepare for the indefinite suspension of her license.