Disbarred Atlanta City Councilman Acknowledges Mistakes, Vows To Continue Run for Re-election

The court said Willis, while acting as a private attorney, violated several professional standards, including transferring $30,000 in settlement money to a private bank account when the money was supposed to go to a young client involved in a personal injury case. 

“Two years ago during a time when I was facing tremendous personal challenges I made a grievous professional error. I acknowledge that error. I apologize for it… and today I accept the repercussions,” said Willis, surrounded by about 30 supporters.

He blamed the money-transferring incident on an “unfortunate administrative error.” He said all parties have since been made whole. He attributed his professional troubles to severe depression related to his divorce.

“The challenge for me had always been the emotional challenges that I was in and the emotional place that I was in that created a very difficult space for me,” said Willis.

The court dismissed that explanation as “not credible” given his continued public activities as a city councilman at the time of the violations.

Willis, who has held office since 2002, defended his record of public service and said he remains focused on winning re-election in November. 

“I’m a very different person today than I was two years ago. I’m not only physically a different person but I’m emotionally and mentally a stronger and better person.”

It’s not the first ethics incident for Willis. In 2007, his scholarship foundation was found to be collecting tens of thousands of dollars from businesses while claiming tax-exempt status. However, the foundation had never filed necessary paperwork with the IRS for a nonprofit designation. A Fulton judge eventually fined Willis $25,000 and restricted him from ever raising charity money in Georgia again.

As word of Willis’ disbarment spread, challengers to his Post 3 At-Large seat were quick to pounce. 

“He’s betrayed our trust and he’s had a lot of ethical issues that I don’t have. The line is clear for me – you’re either ethical or unethical,” said Georgia Tech administrator Andre Dickens, who has so far outraised Willis and attracted a high-profile endorsement from former Mayor Shirley Franklin. 

Another challenger, former state Rep. Ralph Long (D-Atlanta), called for Willis to step down immediately.

Political observers expect the race to be one of the most competitive in the city. Notably, Willis is one of Mayor Kasim Reed’s staunchest allies on the City Council. In a written statement, Reed said he respected the court’s ruling, adding Willis made “significant mistakes.” However, there was no indication Reed would pull his support of Willis heading into November.