Opinion ID: 1727470
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 22

Heading: Count VI The Richard Matter

Text: Romeekia Richard paid respondent $2,500 to represent her at a school board hearing. After many continuances of the hearing due to respondent's illness or because of scheduling conflicts (during which time Ms. Richard was suspended without pay pending each new hearing date), respondent advised Ms. Richard not to attend the last hearing date scheduled since respondent had not received notice. As a result of the non-attendance, Ms. Richard was terminated from her job. The school board attorney provided records evidencing proper notice of the hearing to respondent. Respondent advised she would seek an appeal, but failed to do so, and Ms. Richard was forced to hire new counsel after repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact respondent. Ms. Richard sent a termination letter to respondent with a request for her file and a return of fees, to which respondent did not reply. Respondent also failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation of the complaint filed by Ms. Richard.