About a week ago, I learned a new term, “Alternative Facts”. Not sure what the difference is between Alternative Facts and a lie is. But while it appears that the President of the United States can use “Alternative Facts”, lawyers must abide by a code of ethics. Evidently Attorney Zaidi was using “Alternative Facts”, before it became it became in vogue.
Michigan Attorney Ali Zaidi’s falsely stated on the attorney's resume and other places that:
1. Was a member of the US Field Hockey Team that participated in the 1996 Olympic Games
2. Had a Masters of Liberal Arts From Harvard University
3. Worked at law firms in Connecticut and Missouri
4. Was admitted to practice law in Connecticut and Missouri
5. Worked at fictional summer associate positions at law firms
6. Had a Website for attorney's law firm “Great Lakes Legal Group” that misrepresented many facts and never was a firm
Evidently the attorney reasoned that no one would hire an attorney given the “true” resume” and that these were not really untruths, just works in progress (Alternative Facts).
Attorney Zaidi did not attend the initial disciplinary hearing citing among other problems that the attorney’s children had a birthday party that conflicted with the hearing. Currently suspended, Attorney Zaidi “Alternative Facts” were good enough for the Disciplinary Committee to affirm the panel recommendation that Attorney Zaid should be disbarred. To read the rest of the story, click Disciplinary Committee Board Opinion.