Opinion ID: 2167214
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: Analysis and Recommendation

Text: At the outset, we note that our sanction analysis assumes that reciprocal discipline is not warranted. We view the violation for which reciprocal discipline was sought as substantially less serious than that involved in the original proceeding, and therefore our sanction recommendation herein would not change if it were determined that reciprocal discipline should be imposed. Respondent's misconduct as to three clients extended over approximately a two-year period from spring of 1999, when he first neglected Mr. Snowden's case, through at least the spring of 2001, when he failed to communicate with Ms. Odom. His neglect of these clients was found to be intentional and each of their cases was actually prejudiced by his neglect. He failed to advise his clients of the suspension. He falsely told Mr. Snowden that his case was fine when it had been dismissed due to his failure to appear at a status conference. We disagree with Bar Counsel that a one-year suspension is appropriate. Respondent's misconduct was not as serious as that in Grimes, involving serious neglect of five clients over a six-year period, where the sanction was a one-year suspension plus fitness. The period of neglect here is shorter and there were only three clients instead of five as in Grimes. At the same time, we find that the Hearing Committee's recommendation of a 90-day suspension without fitness does not take into sufficient account the seriousness of the misconduct. However, Respondent's misconduct is somewhat less serious than the misconduct in In re Lyles, 680 A.2d 408, 409 (D.C. 1996) (per curiam), where the sanction was a six-month suspension plus fitness for neglect of four matters over the course of a year and failure to appear at hearings. The Board in Lyles summarized its review of sanction decisions: A suspension of up to six months is generally imposed for cases involving serious neglect and multiple failures to zealously represent clients. Id. at 418 (appended Board report). Respondent's neglect was not as serious as that involved in In re Ryan, 670 A.2d 375, 377 (D.C.1996), where respondent received a four-month suspension plus fitness for misconduct involving intentional neglect in four matters over a two-year period. The respondent in Ryan had been guilty of sustained neglect, but there was no dishonesty. Unlike the Hearing Committee, we think Respondent's misconduct was somewhat akin to that in Reback, where respondents received six-month suspensions for neglect of one client matter and serious dishonesty in filing a forged complaint. Like this case, the dishonesty in Reback stemmed from neglect. The dishonesty in Reback was far more offensive than involved here, however, and that difference should be reflected in the sanction. On balance, we conclude that a four-month suspension is warranted in this matter. Sanction determinations are by their nature difficult and precision is not possible. Considering all the relevant factors, we conclude that a four-month suspension is sufficient to protect the public and to emphasize the point that intentional neglect of client matters compounded by dishonesty intended to conceal the neglect will not be tolerated.