Opinion ID: 1995600
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: DR 7-101(A)(1): Failure to Seek the Lawful Objectives of the Client

Text: Bar Counsel alleged, and the Hearing Committee found, that O'Donnell failed to seek the lawful objectives of his clients. The scope of O'Donnell's representation of the Donnellys was clear. The Donnellys retained O'Donnell to assist them in satisfying the terms of the lease agreement, i.e., filing articles of incorporation and an ABC license application. O'Donnell failed to make any timely efforts to assist the Donnellys with respect to these matters. O'Donnell persisted in his inaction even after the Donnellys telephoned him and met with him to inquire as to the status of these matters. O'Donnell's inaction was coupled with an awareness of his obligations, and he thus made a deliberate and conscious choice not to pursue his client's objectives in violation of DR 7-101(A)(1). See In re Stanton, 470 A.2d 272, 277 (D.C. 1983).