Opinion ID: 1715097
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Neglect of client matters

Text: The admitted allegations show that Grzybek failed to serve his clients in a number of ways. He neglected to file briefs in the Byrne and Alli matters. In addition, he failed to remit the $250 filing fee in the appeal of the Byrne matter, and failed to inform Byrne of a settlement offer from opposing counsel. The Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct require a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. Rule 1.3, MRPC; see In re McGrath, 462 N.W.2d 599, 601 (Minn. 1990) (stating that failure to file brief violates rules of professional conduct). The rules also require a lawyer to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. Rule 1.4, MRPC. Grzybek's actions clearly violated rules 1.3 and 1.4. Making matters worse, Grzybek's neglect in this case, unlike his neglect in Grzybek I, resulted in direct injury to his clients. See Grzybek I, 552 N.W.2d at 217 (stating that Grzybek's neglect caused no direct harm to clients). As a result of Grzybek's neglect, the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed the Byrne appeal and issued a judgment against Grzybek for $250. And the opposing counsel in the Byrne matter subsequently filed motions for both summary judgment and attorney fees and costs, two actions for which Byrne was forced to defend after acquiring substitute counsel. Repeated neglect of client matters, misrepresentations, and failure to communicate with clients typically warrant indefinite suspension. Walker, 461 N.W.2d at 222. In more extreme cases, we have disbarred attorneys for similar transgressions. Id. ; see also Jones, 383 N.W.2d at 306 (disbarring lawyer who showed demonstrated pattern of gross neglect); In re Weyhrich, 339 N.W.2d 274, 279 (Minn.1983) (disbarring lawyer who repeatedly neglected client matters, failed to communicate with clients over 4-year period, and failed to cooperate with board). Although Grzybek's numerous violations make it unnecessary to determine whether his neglect alone would merit disbarment, we take note that Grzybek's neglect was a serious violation of the rules of professional conduct. In addition to his neglect of client matters, Grzybek also failed to return client property. After numerous requests, Grzybek returned only a portion of the client files belonging to Byrne and Hughes, and he never returned any portion of the client files belonging to Alli, Fox or Cochran. The Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct require a lawyer, upon termination, to surrender papers and property to which the client is entitled. Rule 1.16(d), MRPC; see In re Cowan, 540 N.W.2d 825, 827 (Minn.1995) (stating that failure to respond to client's request for return of property is violation of rules of professional conduct). We conclude that Grzybek's failure to return files merits serious treatment for two specific reasons. First, such failures have continued a pattern of conduct for which we already disciplined respondent. See Haugen, 543 N.W.2d at 375 (stating that similarity between prior misconduct and present conduct demonstrates that attorney did not have a renewed commitment to ethical and professional behavior). And second, Grzybek's failures have caused substantial inconvenience and unnecessary frustration to his clients.