Opinion ID: 1972298
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sammarco

Text: The Sammarco matter represents the least serious of respondent's alleged acts of misconduct. Respondent had represented Gloria Sammarco, the ex-wife of Stephen Sammarco, in a matrimonial action. By court order, Mr. Sammarco was assessed a total of $850 toward his wife's counsel fees. Mr. Sammarco's attorney, by letter dated July 30, 1982, informed respondent that Sammarco intended to pay $25 a month for the next year and $100 a month thereafter. Mr. Sammarco forwarded a check for $25 to respondent under separate cover. Respondent rejected this by a letter sent directly to Mr. Sammarco demanding full payment and threatening a wage execution. Sammarco's attorney was not sent a carbon copy, which respondent claimed was an oversight. Mr. Sammarco received this letter on Saturday, July 31, 1982. Unable to reach his own attorney, he telephoned respondent. Respondent initially told Mr. Sammarco that he did not want to speak to him, but they kept talking for approximately an hour. Respondent knew that Mr. Sammarco was represented by an attorney. Nevertheless, he never indicated to Mr. Sammarco that they should not be speaking directly with each other or that Mr. Sammarco should discuss the matter with his own attorney. The discussion became heated, leading Mr. Sammarco to hang up. Then Mrs. Sammarco called respondent and he continued the discussion with her. During the course of that conversation, respondent offered to accept $150 per month in payment of the court-ordered counsel fees. Respondent did not advise Mr. Sammarco's attorney of this settlement proposal until after he was advised that an ethics complaint was being filed. Respondent obtained a court order directing Mr. Sammarco to pay the $150 monthly payments beginning November 10, 1982. The DRB concluded that respondent violated DR 7-104(A)(1).