Opinion ID: 1057635
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Dr Dwaine Allison Matter

Text: In 2004, Sneed represented two clients, Jose Marmol and Jesus Mendez, in a personal injury case. Sneed referred Marmol and Mendez to Dr. Dwaine Allison for medical treatment. To secure payment for his services, Dr. Allison had a written lien against the proceeds from Marmol's and Mendez's case. In 2005, Sneed settled Marmol's and Mendez's case and dispersed the settlement funds without withholding any of the monies he knew were due Dr. Allison. Sneed admitted that he was aware of Dr. Allison's lien. He also admitted that he settled the case but did not pay Dr. Allison the amount of the lien or withhold any of the money to protect the lien. Dr. Allison testified, without contradiction, that Sneed told him on multiple occasions that he would protect the lien. The Panel concluded that Sneed failed to safeguard funds in which he knew Dr. Allison had an interest in violation of RPC 1.15. [8] The Panel also found a violation of RPC 8.4(a).