Opinion ID: 1357458
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Check Kiting

Text: During 1994 and 1995, respondent solicited the assistance of other persons to engage in check kiting to create artificial balances in his trust account until he could receive client funds to cover these shortages. Records show seven checks totaling $842,709.93 were drawn on four different banks as part of this scheme. These repeated instances of improper conduct regarding client funds demonstrate a pattern and practice of violating the Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 407, SCACR. Respondent has failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing clients. Rule 1.3. He has misappropriated client funds, has failed to promptly deliver to third persons funds they were entitled to receive, and has failed to render a full accounting regarding the property third persons as required by Rule 1.15. He has engaged in reprehensible conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation. Rule 8.4(d). He has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Rule 8.4(e). His conduct has brought the legal profession into disrepute and has demonstrated his unfitness to practice law. This conduct warrants disbarment. Accordingly, we disbar respondent from the practice of law. Respondent has requested his disbarment be retroactive to the date of his interim suspension. This request is denied. Within fifteen days of the date of this opinion, respondent shall file an affidavit with the Clerk of Court showing he has complied with Rule 30 of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 413, SCACR. In addition to all other requirements respondent must meet to be reinstated under Rule 413, SCACR, no petition for reinstatement shall be accepted until respondent has filed proof he has made full restitution to all institutions and individuals who have lost money as a result of his fraudulent acts or mishandling of trust funds, to include restitution to the Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection for any payment it may make. DISBARRED.