Norfolk lawyer loses license for hiding income in divorce

NORFOLK

A three-judge panel has revoked the license of a Norfolk lawyer for misconduct during his personal divorce case.

The panel found that Mark Kantro hid $161,000 in income from his former wife during their divorce, according to civil court records.

Allan Zaleski, a lawyer for Kantro, said he planned to appeal.

The discipline is unusual because the facts related to the revocation are from a personal divorce, not mishandling a client's case, Zaleski said.

"This had nothing to do with his performance" as a lawyer, Zaleski said.

Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Underwood, Circuit Court Clerk George Schaefer, and General District Clerk Tom Baldwin testified in support of Kantro at a hearing Thursday, Zaleski said.

Kantro received $161,000 payment for legal fees in January 2005 and gave $150,000 to his mother to open an account under her name, court records state. Although he was legally required to disclose the income in the divorce, he did not for more than two years, court records state.

The panel found Kantro violated eight rules of conduct and revoked his license. He may apply for reinstatement with the Virginia Supreme Court in five years, according to the state bar spokesman.

A state bar committee investigated the case.

Kantro has an office in Norfolk and practices criminal and civil law. The revocation is effective June 11 to allow Kantro to wind up his business, according to the summary order.

Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2341, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com