Opinion ID: 1718430
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Counts I & II The Dage Matter

Text: Respondent represented Larry and Kathy Dage in a lawsuit arising out of their purchase of a building with a defective roof. After a trial, the trial court ruled in the Dages' favor, but respondent failed to inform his clients of the verdict. The defendants appealed, and respondent again failed to inform his clients. Furthermore, respondent did not answer the appeal, did not file a brief, and did not appear for oral argument. When the court of appeal reversed the trial court's ruling, respondent neither informed his clients of that fact nor sought supervisory review of the court of appeal's judgment. The Dages also hired respondent to represent them in a personal injury and property damage matter. Respondent settled the claims and advised Mrs. Dage that he would withhold his fee and costs, pay third-party healthcare providers, and disburse at least $2,000 to her as her portion of the settlement. Respondent did not communicate further with the Dages and did not disburse the $2,000 to them. When the Dages filed a disciplinary complaint against respondent, he informed the ODC that he had converted the $2,000 to his own use. He indicated that he paid all third-party healthcare providers. However, there remains an outstanding balance of $172 owed to American Radiological Services for Mrs. Dage's treatment, which amount was to have been paid from the settlement proceeds. When respondent was placed on interim suspension in January 2006, he failed to return the Dages' files to them as required by Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 26. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client), 1.4, 8.4(a), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice). Respondent answered the formal charges and admitted his misconduct.