Opinion ID: 1572084
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Count VThe Ernst/Wagner Matter

Text: Ben Wagner retained respondent to handle the interdiction of his brother. [2] Respondent was paid $2,750 to handle the matter. In connection with the interdiction, Mr. Wagner's uncle, Donald Ernst, was to be appointed the curator, with Mr. Wagner serving as the undercurator. Respondent filed the interdiction in March 2005; however, the proceeding was not completed before Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005. Respondent called Mr. Ernst in January 2006 to advise him that he would resume the interdiction, but thereafter Mr. Ernst heard nothing further from respondent. In July 2006, Mr. Ernst sent respondent a letter stating that he would seek other counsel if respondent was unable to complete the matter. Respondent did not respond to the letter, and Mr. Ernst hired attorney Mark Jolissaint to complete the interdiction. In the summer of 2006, respondent told Mr. Jolissaint that he would refund $1,000 to Mr. Ernst to assist in the completion of the interdiction. Thereafter, Mr. Jolissaint sent respondent four reminder letters. Nevertheless, respondent did not refund the $1,000. Respondent also failed to adequately prepare the initial interdiction pleadings, and Mr. Jolissaint was forced to file an amended petition to correct the deficiencies. Mr. Ernst made numerous attempts to contact respondent with no success. He also sought a refund and the return of his file materials. Respondent did not respond to his requests. The ODC sent notice of Mr. Ernst's complaint to respondent in April 2007, but he failed to respond.