A three-judge panel of the Suffolk Circuit Court on Thursday suspended the law license of local attorney Dwayne B. Strothers for 90 days.

The suspension, which goes into effect Sept. 30, stems from alleged misconduct in two cases, said Barbara S. Lanier, clerk of the Virginia State Bar’s disciplinary system.

According to the bar, the panel found that while handling a divorce case, Strothers:

-Failed to handle the matter competently or diligently

-Failed to communicate with his client

-Failed to deposit unearned fees and costs into a trust account

-Attempted to mislead the bar investigator

In the second case, a criminal appeal, the panel deemed that Strothers failed to handle the matter competently and failed to communicate with his client.

Strothers said he intends to challenge the suspension, which has to be done within the next 14 days.

&uot;That matter is going to be appealed,&uot; he said. &uot;I will still be practicing law until a final decision is made.

&uot;I am grateful for the support of the community and the people who still have confidence in my abilities as a attorney,&uot; said Strothers, adding that most of problems cited are administrative issues.

Strothers has practiced law in Suffolk for four years.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com