COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Supreme Court disbarred Columbia attorney Matthew Alexander Perry on Tuesday.

The Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel had wanted to disbar Perry for violating "multiple rules of professional conduct relating to competence, diligence, communication, meritorious claims, expediting litigation, following court orders, misrepresentation, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice." Perry was looking for just a suspension.

Perry was accused of not appearing at more than 50 court hearings for his client between March 2023-April 2025, filings from the court and previous reporting show. Perry was handling more than 140 cases at the time, according to the state’s high court.

Some of his cases involved lawsuits against the Columbia Police Department and the University of Missouri Police Department.

Perry's attorney, Gregrey Alan Pfeiffer, said in a statement that his client is disappointed by the court's decision but will respect it.

"He respects the Court's authority and recognizes the seriousness of the professional responsibilities owed to his clients," Pfeiffer said in a statement. "His career also includes substantial service to people unable to afford counsel."

The statement includes a letter from Maggie Johnston, the former director of Missouri State Public Defender Case Contracting Division, from Feb. 7, 2024, recognizing Perry for his work on 180 assigned cases in 2023.

Pfeiffer stated Perry is committed to making a positive contribution to the community.