Opinion ID: 2297758
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Sinai/Bongiovanni CaseRedux

Text: The factual conflicts between Ms. Berow and respondent regarding the bankruptcy case and the dispute with Citizens over the repossession played out as well regarding the actions against Sinai and Ms. Bongiovanni. Those conflicts are relevant not only to the manner in which respondent handled the lawsuit but, more important, to the manner in which she responded to Bar Counsel's inquiries, a matter discussed below. The complaint against Sinai and Ms. Bongiovanni, as noted, was filed on June 23, 2009; it was served on June 29. Fiona Ong, Esq., an attorney representing the defendants, testified on deposition that she had tried on several occasions, by telephone and letter, to contact respondent to discuss the case and never received a response. On July 29the 30th day after service of the complaintMs. Ong filed a Motion to Dismiss the action and for sanctions, which, despite respondent's assertions to the contrary, Judge Cahill found she never answered. Respondent claimed that she did speak with Ms. Ong on the telephone but that she never received any letters from her. Judge Cahill believed Ms. Ong's testimony and found respondent's testimony (and corroborating testimony of her mother and her fiancé) less than persuasive on this issue. On July 30, respondent filed a motion seeking a default judgment due to the defendants' alleged failure to answer or otherwise defend the action within 30 days after service of the complaint. Apart from the fact that the defendants filed their motion to dismiss on the 30th day, and thus within the time allowed, Rule 2-613, pursuant to which the motion for default judgment was filed, does not permit a default judgment by reason of an untimely response, but only an order of default, which the defendant may move to vacate. A judgment by default may be entered only if such a motion is not filed or, if filed, is denied, and, even then, only after proof of damages. Respondent withdrew her appearance as counsel for the Berows on September 21, 2009, and, on October 30, through new counsel, the action was dismissed.