Opinion ID: 1991636
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: The Gross Matter

Text: In May 1982, Herbert Gross (grievant) consulted with respondent about the institution of an employment-related action in his behalf. At respondent's request, grievant paid him a retainer of $750.00. Between June 1982 and December 1983, grievant telephoned respondent 50 to 60 times in an attempt to obtain information about the status of his matter. On the very few occasions that respondent returned his calls, grievant was informed that the matter was not progressing because respondent was busy renovating his house, in court, or working with diamond merchants in Michigan. In December 1983, when grievant consulted with another attorney, he was advised that the statute of limitations had run. It appears that the cause of action consisted of libel, slander or defamation, which carries a one-year statute of limitations. [5] A hearing was held before the ethics committee on December 13, 1985. Respondent failed to appear. The committee concluded that respondent had failed to represent his client zealously; had failed to act with due diligence, thereby causing the statute of limitations to run; had failed to communicate with the client; had failed to discuss the matter with the client to enable him to make an informed decision regarding representation by other counsel; and had been guilty of misconduct. Accordingly, the Committee found that respondent had violated DR 7-101(A)(1), (2), and (3), DR 9-102(B)(4), DR 1-102(A)(1), (5), (6) and superseding R.P.C. 1.2(a), R.P.C. 1.3, R.P.C. 1.4 and R.P.C. 8.4. The committee recommended that a presentment be brought against respondent.