PORTLAND, Oregon — The state organization that investigates lawyer misconduct has opened an ethics investigation into the Portland lawyer behind dozens of disability access lawsuits. The Oregon State Bar launched its ethics probe into Jessica Molligan after receiving three separate complaints, according to documents obtained through a public records request.
An ongoing KGW investigation found Molligan sent dozens of demand letters to small businesses in the Portland area, threatening to sue if they didn’t bring their property into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and pay attorney fees of roughly $10,000.
A disproportionate number of the ADA lawsuits — about half — involved Asian owned businesses, according to court records, state filings and interviews.
“We are referring this matter to Disciplinary Counsel for further consideration,” wrote Daniel P. Atkinson, Assistant General Counsel for the Oregon State Bar in an Aug. 9 email to Molligan. “This referral to Disciplinary Counsel is not, and should not be construed in any way as, a determination that improper conduct has occurred in this matter.”
If the state bar finds Molligan committed ethical misconduct, she could face a range of punishment including reprimand, law license suspension or disbarment.
In 2021, Molligan had her law license suspended for 120 days after she failed to keep her client informed about the status of a case.
One of her former clients, Conner Slevin, is suing Molligan for legal malpractice. Slevin alleged Molligan made legal arrangements, sent communications and negotiated settlements without his knowledge. The lawsuit alleged Molligan concealed her behavior for her own personal financial gain.
“All of the negotiations. All of the plea deals. All of the demand letters were in my name without my knowledge,” Slevin said in an interview with KGW.
In a separate case, a property owner sued by Molligan filed a lawsuit claiming breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation.
Another property owner that Molligan sued for alleged ADA violations filed a motion in federal court seeking sanctions. The motion claims Molligan abused the court process and violated state ethics rules.
Molligan has not responded to a request for comment on this story.