Opinion ID: 2629251
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Complaint of Gaye Lynn Manning (DA8427)

Text: In September 2000, respondent began representing Gaye Lynn Manning in her divorce action. In this case, the issues were also contentious, and the client was initially satisfied with respondent's representation and level of communication. Regarding a May 21, 2001, scheduled hearing, Manning grew concerned that respondent was not adequately preparing her case; ultimately, she was dissatisfied with respondent's representation. Following this hearing, which ordered the division and sale of real estate, the district court instructed respondent to prepare the journal entry within 10 days. Respondent failed to do so. Thereafter, Manning contacted the respondent about the status of the journal entry as she felt it was necessary to effect the sale of the marital residence. Respondent never complied with Manning's request for information. On June 18, 2001, and July 6, 2001, opposing counsel also inquired as to the status of the divorce, and likewise, respondent failed to respond. Respondent's records indicate he began drafting the journal entry on July 20 and finalized it on July 31. However, he failed to provide a copy of it to either his client or opposing counsel. On August 23, 2001, opposing counsel made a written request for a copy of the journal entry, and respondent did not respond. Eight days later, Manning sent respondent a letter documenting the chronology of events concerning the journal entry and respondent's failure to complete same. She also informed respondent that he should box up her files for pick up as she planned on obtaining a new attorney. Again, respondent failed to respond. He did not file a motion to withdraw and, in September 2001, he refused to turn over the client's files to her mother when she arrived at his office to pick them up. Because the journal entry had not been forthcoming from the respondent, opposing counsel set a status conference with the district court for October 4, 2001, and provided respondent with a notice of the conference. Respondent failed to inform the client of the status conference, but appeared himself on her behalf despite having been terminated. He provided the court and opposing counsel with the journal entry he had drafted. On October 15, 2001, the client sent another request to respondent for her files and this time included a notarized statement directing him to release the files to her mother. Respondent complied. However, he continued to bill the client for services and expenses after he was terminated. He charged the client $400 for appearing at the October 4 status conference; approximately $30 for mailing a change of address and for expenses related to the disciplinary complaint; and $58.75 for photocopying expenses. At the disciplinary hearing herein, respondent agreed to write off any remaining balance on the client's account.