The Nevada Supreme Court has ordered Herman Herbig suspended from the practice of law.
According to the court order, a petition filed by the Northern Nevada Disciplinary Board charges Herbig "misappropriated approximately $810,000 in client funds."
In addition, according to the petition, a court judgment has been entered against Herbig for more than $2 million in punitive damages.
"And that Herbig has either fled the state or is hiding within the state to avoid service," according to the high court.
"We conclude that the documentation before us demonstrates that Herbig poses a substantial threat of serious harm and that his immediate temporary suspension is warranted," the court order states.
The suspension will remain in effect until the formal disciplinary proceedings against Herbig are resolved by the Bar and the court.
The order also bars him from withdrawing funds from his client trust account or any other account containing client funds. He is allowed to continue representing existing clients for 15 days but any funds received on their behalf during that period must be deposited in a trust account. He is barred from taking new clients or representing anyone beyond Feb. 19.
The order was signed by Chief Justice Nancy Becker and Justices Bob Rose and James Hardesty.
