Opinion ID: 2535283
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count IThe Butler Matter

Text: In July 2004, Inez Butler hired respondent to represent her in a personal injury matter, based on a slip and fall incident that occurred on July 16, 2004 in New Orleans. During the representation, respondent did not maintain appropriate communication with Ms. Butler, did not consult with her to explain the progress of her case, was rude and offensive to her on the telephone, and repeatedly failed to return her phone calls. In October 2006, without Ms. Butler's knowledge, permission or consent, respondent filed a motion to dismiss her lawsuit with prejudice. The ODC alleged respondent's conduct violated the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.1 (failure to provide competent representation to a client), 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client), and 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client).