Opinion ID: 1264855
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Client F Matter

Text: Client E's daughter, Client F, also retained Respondent for a personal injury claim arising out of the same incident. Respondent issued a check from his firm's operating account to the trust account, then issued a check in the same amount to Client E on behalf of her daughter. Respondent told Client E and Client F that the funds were proceeds from a settlement. This information was false. Respondent did not file a lawsuit on behalf of Client F, and the statute of limitations has expired. Respondent misrepresented to the firm's office manager that the funds were an advance to the clients to pay for a trip. The subpanel found Respondent violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct found in Rule 407, SCACR: Rule 1.1 (Competence); Rule 1.2 (Scope of Representation); Rule 1.3 (Diligence); Rule 1.4 (Communication); Rule 8.4(a) (Misconduct-Violation of Rules of Professional Conduct); and Rule 8.4(d) (Misconduct-Conduct Involving Dishonesty, Deceit and Misrepresentation).