Opinion ID: 2487827
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Count VIThe Skinner Matter

Text: In April 2007, Amber Theodore Skinner hired respondent to represent her in a divorce and custody matter. Ms. Skinner paid respondent $1,500 plus court costs. Respondent filed the petition in December 2007. Thereafter, Ms. Skinner reconciled with her husband, but they again separated a few months later. In August 2008, Ms. Skinner and respondent entered into another contract for respondent to proceed with the divorce. At that time, respondent informed Ms. Skinner there were no funds left from the $1,500 retainer. Ms. Skinner claimed she paid respondent an additional $200 in August 2008 and another $250 for court costs. In September 2008, Ms. Skinner terminated respondent's services and requested a detailed accounting. Ms. Skinner also stated that the court clerk's office informed her that nothing had been filed since 2007, before she reconciled with her husband. Nevertheless, the $250 check Ms. Skinner issued to respondent for court costs was cashed on September 2, 2008. In an April 2009 sworn statement, respondent testified that she forwarded a detailed accounting to Ms. Skinner via e-mail, and the accounting showed that Ms. Skinner owed her money. Respondent also testified that she would submit a written response to the complaint as well as documents to substantiate her claim by April 27, 2009. However, respondent failed to do so. The ODC alleged respondent's conduct violated the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3, 1.5, 1.5(f)(5) (failure to hold disputed funds in trust), 1.15(d), 8.1(c), and 8.4(a).