Opinion ID: 1584675
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Misrepresentations and False Statements

Text: Rickabaugh made at least two misrepresentations. [3] In the Grosse estate, he forged the executor's name on the report and inventory and filed it with the probate court. In the Ross estate, Rickabaugh misrepresented the basis for his inability to close the estate. Instead of informing the executor of his recent license suspension, he represented he could not complete the work due to health problems. In both incidents, Rickabaugh violated a number of ethical rules, namely DR 1-102(A)(4) (a lawyer shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); DR 1-102(A)(5) (a lawyer shall not engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice); DR 1-102(A)(6) (a lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on the fitness to practice law); DR 7-102(A)(5) (a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of law or fact); and DR 1-102(A)(1) (a lawyer shall not violate a disciplinary rule).