Opinion ID: 2379892
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Comer Matter

Text: In January 2001, Mary Ann Comer paid respondent a $1,420 retainer to represent Elliot Milton Valentine in a criminal matter. Comer later filed a request for arbitration in connection with that fee. Respondent did not file an answer. The District I Fee Committee determined that respondent had provided little in the way of legal services in Valentine's case. The Committee awarded respondent $140 for the 0.8 hours of legal services provided to Valentine and ordered her to return the unearned portion of the retainer to Comer. Despite that order, respondent failed to return the unearned portion of the fee. The DRB determined that respondent violated RPC 3.4(c) (knowingly disobeying obligation under rules of tribunal) and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to administration of justice).