Opinion ID: 1689462
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Count IV: Olson

Text: Aaron Olson hired Sullins as counsel on a domestic relations matter being handled by another attorney whom Olson later terminated. The fee agreement consisted of an initial payment of $500 with another $500 when Olson was able to pay. In receipt of two checks totaling $1000, Sullins deposited neither into a trust account. Sullins claimed they agreed the money could be immediately distributed. On the day of trial, Sullins did not appear. Sullins did not tell Olson of his suspension that began only two weeks before trial. Olson, left to represent himself, attempted to offer several documents into evidence. However, opposing counsel objected because the documents were not provided ten days before trial. The court sustained the objection and Olson could not offer these papers. Olson claimed he retained Sullins to represent him at mediation on the matter and at trial. Sullins told Olson he might not be available for the trial because of an upcoming vacation or other commitment. Sullins told Olson in the event he could not appear, he would make sure another attorney would represent Olson at trial. Sullins, however, asserts he never promised Olson he would appear in court, represent him in mediation, or file any documents with the court or opposing counsel. The Commission found Sullins' testimony more credible than Olson's. The Commission did not articulate on which issues it found Sullins' testimony more credible. Despite a credibility finding in favor of Sullins, the Commission still found he violated Iowa Court Rule 35.21 for failing to tell Olson of his suspension and its effect on Sullins' ability to represent Olson. Knowing he would be unable to represent his client at trial because of the suspension, Sullins should have found another attorney to handle Olson's case. The Commission concluded Sullins violated DR 6-101(A)(1) (handle a legal matter the lawyer knows that the lawyer is not competent to handle without associating with a lawyer who is competent to handle it) and DR 1-102(A)(1) (violate disciplinary rule), (4) (conduct involving dishonesty), (5) (conduct prejudicial to justice), and (6) (conduct adversely reflects on fitness to practice law).