Opinion ID: 2343627
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Complaint of Kimberly Hawkins

Text: On or about April 30, 2003, Kimberly Hawkins (hereinafter `Ms. Hawkins') retained Respondent to represent her with respect to any claims she may have had arising from an automobile accident that occurred on April 28, 2003. Respondent agreed to represent Ms. Hawkins on a contingent fee basis. Respondent and Ms. Hawkins signed the contingent retainer agreement on April 30, 2003. After their meeting on April 30, 2003, Respondent referred Ms. Hawkins to medical care providers for treatment of her injuries incurred during the automobile accident and advised her that he would recover payment of her medical bills on her behalf. When Ms. Hawkins informed Respondent of her medical bills, Respondent advised her that he was working on her matter. Respondent, however, had performed no work on behalf of Ms. Hawkins. Moreover, Respondent did not respond to inquiries made by Ms. Hawkins regarding the status of her matter. Respondent failed to return Ms. Hawkins' telephone calls and messages to his office and cell phone. After Ms. Hawkins filed a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission, Respondent called Ms. Hawkins and told her that he was no longer her lawyer and that he was going to sue her for $200,000 for defamation. Although Respondent stopped all work on Ms. Hawkins' case and gave notice terminating his representation of Ms. Hawkins, he did not take steps to protect Ms. Hawkins' interests, including surrendering papers to which Ms. Hawkins was entitled.