Opinion ID: 1991636
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: The Griffin Matter

Text: In June 1983, Oren Griffin (grievant) consulted with respondent about representation in a divorce matter filed by his wife. Respondent scheduled a meeting with grievant at Howard Johnson's restaurant, at which time he asked for a $600.00 retainer. No written agreement, however, was prepared or signed. Grievant indicated to respondent that he was in need of support from his wife because he was a full-time student. He instructed respondent to file a counterclaim seeking support and also alleging desertion on the part of his wife. Respondent neglected to file the counterclaim. From the period June 1983 to February 1984, respondent communicated very infrequently with grievant, in spite of the latter's numerous attempts to contact him by leaving messages on a recording machine. On those infrequent occasions when respondent returned the calls, he assured grievant that the matter was proceeding just fine. Between February 1984 and September 1984, grievant was able to speak to respondent on several occasions and, in fact, met with him personally, but always at some restaurant; never at respondent's office, which is located in his Plainfield home. On those occasions, respondent would advise grievant that the case was progressing just fine. From September 1984 through March 1985, grievant was unable to reach respondent. Eventually, in March 1985, respondent informed grievant that the divorce had been granted. He never sent grievant a copy of the final judgment of divorce, however. Once again, respondent failed to appear at the committee hearing, which was held on January 14, 1986. The panel report concluded that all respondent had done in the matter was to collect the $600.00 retainer. He did not file any papers in grievant's behalf, did not communicate with grievant and did not forward him copies of any documents. The committee found that respondent had failed to pursue the client's lawful objectives; had failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, thus causing a judgment of divorce to be granted by default; had failed to take any necessary action in the matter; had failed to communicate with the client; had misrepresented the status of the matter to the client; and had been guilty of misconduct. The committee concluded that respondent had violated DR 7-101(A)(1), (2), (3), DR 1-102(A)(1), (5), (6), DR 7-102(A)(8) and superseding R.P.C. 1.2(a), R.P.C. 1.3, R.P.C. 1.4 and R.P.C. 8.4. The committee recommended that a presentment be brought against respondent.