Statement from Pace Johnson Law Group: Addressing the Recent Attorney Impersonation and Fraud Case in Utah

At Pace Johnson Law Group, we are aware of a developing legal matter involving allegations that an individual, Patrick Sullivan, engaged in the unauthorized practice of law by impersonating a retired attorney. According to authorities, it is alleged that Mr. Sullivan used the credentials of a retired attorney to submit court filings on behalf of inmates at the Utah State Prison.

We want to clearly affirm that Mr. Sullivan is no longer affiliated with our firm in any capacity. While Mr. Sullivan previously worked with our firm as an independent contractor for a limited period, his role was not that of an attorney, partner, or employee. We take ethical standards, fraud prevention, and public trust seriously, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter.

Allegations and Legal Investigation

Based on publicly available reports from the Utah Attorney General’s Office and the Utah Department of Corrections, authorities have alleged that Mr. Sullivan misrepresented himself as a licensed attorney by using a Utah Bar license number that did not belong to him. Reports indicate that he may have electronically filed motions and legal documents on behalf of incarcerated individuals.

Additionally, as it has been reported, Mr. Sullivan initially represented himself to our firm as a retired attorney offering pro bono legal services. As with any independent contractor, our firm engaged with Mr. Sullivan for a limited time based on the information he provided. We had no reason to believe he was engaging in unauthorized legal practice at that time.

Upon learning of the allegations, we took immediate steps to sever any association with Mr. Sullivan and have fully cooperated with law enforcement. These allegations remain under investigation, and no legal conclusions have been reached.

We remain committed to ensuring that all individuals acting on behalf of our firm meet the highest ethical and professional standards.

Commitment to Transparency and Security Measures

The integrity and trust of our clients and community are our top priorities. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, our firm maintains a public listing of staff members on our website, including names and photographs. This allows clients and the public to verify the identity of our team members and ensures that they are engaging with authorized representatives of our firm.

To further safeguard against unauthorized legal representation, we strongly encourage the public to verify the credentials of any attorney they engage, whether in private practice or the legal aid sector. The Utah State Bar’s online directory provides a reliable way to confirm an attorney’s active status and licensure.

Additionally, our firm has reviewed and enhanced our internal procedures to prevent similar situations in the future. We have implemented enhanced verification protocols for employees, independent contractors, and vendors to ensure strict compliance with ethical and professional standards.

Reporting and Legal Guidance

If you believe you have been affected by this matter, we strongly encourage you to contact law enforcement or consult with independent legal counsel regarding your rights.

For general inquiries, you may contact us at:

📧 Email: contact@pacejohnsonlaw.com

📞 Phone: (385) 347-3111

At Pace Johnson Law Group, we remain dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and transparency. We appreciate the efforts of our clients, legal community, and law enforcement agencies in addressing issues that impact the integrity of the legal system.

Again, for any legal concerns regarding fraudulent representation, we recommend reaching out directly to law enforcement or the Utah State Bar for guidance.