A Honolulu lawyer is under investigation for allegedly orchestrating an adoption scheme involving pregnant women brought to Hawaii. The investigation was halted when the lawyer’s license was suspended due to an undisclosed illness.
Last month, Laurie Loomis was placed on inactive status by the Hawaii Supreme Court due to incapacity, as reported in court documents. This decision was made in accordance with a Supreme Court rule mandating the suspension of attorneys facing disciplinary action due to mental or physical illness or substance misuse that impairs their ability to practice law.
Loomis did not contest the court’s order to place her on inactive status, as stated in a document submitted to the U.S. District Court in Hawaii by her legal representatives. Prior to this, Loomis had been the subject of disciplinary action by Hawaii’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel for alleged violations of professional conduct rules.
The allegations include Loomis’ involvement in a scheme to bring pregnant women from the Marshall Islands to Hawaii for childbirth and subsequent adoption of their babies. It is claimed that Loomis paid the mothers for their children and a handler to assist them, retaining a significant portion of the funds for herself.
Reportedly, Loomis charged $53,422 for each adoption, pocketing $20,000 along with legal fees, while the alleged handler received $6,500. The birth mothers were purportedly paid $8,500 for living expenses. The petition also details significant financial transactions made by Loomis during this period.
The allegations against Loomis involve violations of ethical rules related to fee charging and professional conduct. The investigation was prompted by an article in the Honolulu Civil Beat, revealing Loomis’ adoption practices that exploited the cultural child-sharing customs of the Marshall Islands.
The Hawaii Supreme Court has paused the disciplinary proceedings against Loomis while she remains on inactive status but retains the option to resume the investigation. Loomis’ legal representative has not responded to requests for comment.
