Opinion ID: 1768691
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count IThe Weiner Matter

Text: On June 29, 1999, Jessica Weiner retained respondent to represent her in a criminal matter. On July 1, 1999, Ms. Weiner paid respondent $4,000. On July 2, 1999, Ms. Weiner decided to retain other counsel, who informed respondent of their representation the same day. Though he had performed no services on his client's behalf, respondent failed to promptly refund the legal fee he was paid. On July 15, 1999, Ms. Weiner filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. On August 2, 1999, the ODC forwarded a copy of the complaint to respondent by certified mail. Respondent failed to timely reply to the complaint, necessitating the issuance of a subpoena to compel his response. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct in this matter violates the following provisions of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3 (failure to act with diligence and promptness in representing a client), 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client), 1.5 (fee arrangements), 1.16(d) (termination of the representation), 8.1(c) (failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation), 8.4(a) (violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct), 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation), 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and 8.4(g) (failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation).