Opinion ID: 1348121
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Troy D. Helwig

Text: Troy D. Helwig hired Skaalerud to represent him on a workers' compensation claim in June 1996. Skaalerud obtained Helwig's power of attorney. On February 5, 1997, he received a partial settlement check from the CCIA for $11,499.79. Skaalerud disbursed 80% to Helwig and kept the remaining 20% for attorney fees and costs. CCIA issued a second settlement check for $15,352.61 two weeks later. On February 19, 1997, Skaalerud forged his client's signature on the check and misappropriated the entire $15,352.61. He received yet another settlement check for $1,168.77. He again forged Helwig's signature to the check and misappropriated the entire amount. Learning of the last two checks and discovering that Skaalerud's telephone had been disconnected, Helwig finally contacted Skaalerud through a mutual friend. On March 29, 1997, Skaalerud issued a check in the amount of $13,217.10 to Helwig, but the check did not clear. The above conduct again violated Colo. RPC 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.15(b), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), 8.4(d), and 8.4(h). Skaalerud also violated Colo. RPC 1.16(d) (failing to take reasonable steps to protect a client's interests upon termination of representation).