Washington Attorney Suspended For Special Needs Trust Mismanagement

The Washington State Supreme Court has suspended attorney Kerry P. Zeiler from practicing law in the state, mirroring a disciplinary action initially handed down by the Supreme Court of California.

The reciprocal discipline order, officially filed on January 22, 2026, places Zeiler on a three-year probation period, with an actual suspension for at least the first two years. This effectively enforces the terms of a California Supreme Court order previously issued on June 11, 2025.

The WSBA’s Push for Disbarment

The Washington State Bar Association initially pushed for a harsher penalty. On September 10, 2025, the WSBA filed a formal Motion for Disbarment against Zeiler.

After Zeiler filed an objection and a subsequent response, the state’s highest court ultimately denied the WSBA’s disbarment motion, opting instead to enforce the reciprocal suspension.

The California Case: Restitution and Sanctions

The core of the disciplinary action stems from Zeiler’s involvement with the Youngje Cho Irrevocable Special Needs Trust in Los Angeles County.

Before Zeiler can be reinstated to practice, the court mandates the completion of several strict financial and professional conditions:

• Zeiler must pay $52,212 in restitution to the Youngje Cho Special Needs Trust, along with a 10 percent annual interest rate calculated from April 3, 2019.
• Zeiler is required to pay $1,500 to the Los Angeles County Superior Court to satisfy sanctions imposed during the trust’s probate case.
• Monetary sanctions of $2,500 must be paid to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund.
• Zeiler must provide proof of professional rehabilitation, fitness to practice in the general law, and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.

Zeiler’s Washington suspension became effective seven days after the January 22, 2026, order. He will remain suspended until all requirements outlined in the California En Banc order are fully met.