WESTPORT - Westport Attorney Emile E. Morad has been disbarred by Judge Martha B. Sosman of the state Supreme Judicial Court. In a decision rendered Aug. 27, Judge Sosman said the disbarment would be effective in 30 days.

Mr. Morad was told he may "wind up and complete" any outstanding lawsuits during that time but could not accept any new cases or legal work.

Mr. Morad's disbarment has proceeded through several levels, starting with a special hearing officer, Thomas E. Peisch, who is also vice chairman of the Board of Bar Overseers. Mr. Peisch recommended disbarment and Mr. Morad appealed to the full Board of Bar Overseers. On March 8, 2004, the BBO upheld Mr. Peisch's recommendation.

Mr. Morad appealed again and the BBO's recommendation was filed with the Supreme Judicial Court on April 30, 2004. Judge Sosman's "judgment of disbarment," rendered last Friday, can still be appealed before the entire Supreme Judicial Court.

The disbarment recommendation stems from Mr. Morad's representation of clients Barbara and Stella Xifaras.

Mr. Peisch said Mr. Morad "knowingly and wrongly" retained the proceeds from the sale of a condominium unit owned by the Xifarases and had disposed of three other units "for his own benefit." He also charged them a usurious interest rate of more than 20 percent, Mr. Peisch said.

Mr. Morad was cited for contempt of court for not appearing at several hearings on his disbarment.

In his defense, Mr. Morad said the Xifarases owed him money for real estate and that he had urged them to find another attorney. He said he didn't comply with court mandates, including payment of damages and restitution of property to the Xifarases, by the deadline imposed because of a serious medical condition and deaths in his family.

Mr. Morad has represented several local clients in lawsuits against the Town of Westport and former Police Chief Michael Healy.

BY PEGGY AULISIO

paulisio@eastbaynewspapers.com