Attorney Stephen Lankenau of Wilmington, DE; ethical troll

The state of Delaware presented Stephen Harold Lankenau with a law license in 2008 after he graduated from Widener University School of Law. Stevie also obtained a license to practice in Pennsylvania in 2006 and New Jersey in 2004.

As one would suspect, this wasn’t Sal’s First bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree. He previously received a complimentary censure and one suspension for engaging in a variety of misconduct.

The Delaware Supreme Court found Stevie guilty of engaging in the following misconduct.

• Engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation
• Failed to safeguard client funds
• Engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice
• Knowingly disobeying an obligation under the rules of tribunal
• Failed to promptly notify clients or third persons of receipt of funds in which they have an interest
• Failed to promptly disburse those funds
• Made statement of material fact to a tribunal
• Committed a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer

As a direct consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Delaware Supreme Court punished Stevie by gifting him with a complimentary 18-month suspension of his law license. 

As we speak (ca. November 2023), Stevie practices his so-called brand of law in Wilmington, Delaware.