Opinion ID: 1929991
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: DR 7-101(A)(1) Intentional Failure to Achieve a Client's Lawful Objectives

Text: There is evidence in the record that the Ward required disbursements for her medical care and other personal expenses. In addition, the accountings and records required by the Probate Division were not filed. Respondent's failure to file accountings and properly administer the Ward's estate in spite of the warnings and demands made from the Probate Division constitutes the kind of intentional conduct that is prohibited by DR 7-101(A)(1). In re Stanton, 470 A.2d 272, 275 (D.C.1983). Although Respondent's behavior most certainly constituted neglect, the Committee correctly concluded that her actions also amounted to an intentional failure to achieve the client's lawful objectives. As the Court of Appeals stated in In re Reback, 487 A.2d 235 (D.C.1985) (per curiam), adopted in relevant part, 513 A.2d 226 (D.C.1986) (en banc): Our opinions show that attorneys will be held not only to have been neglectful but also to have intentionally failed to seek the client's lawful objectives if the attorneys were demonstrably aware of their neglect or if their neglect was so pervasive that they must have been aware of it. 487 A.2d at 240. In the instant case, Respondent was clearly made aware of her neglect. She received warnings, demands, notices of summary hearing, and notices of removal as a result of her neglect of her fiduciary responsibilities to the Ward. In addition, correspondence was sent to her from the successor conservator and the Auditor-Master after her removal. Respondent offered no response to the very strong showing that she intentionally failed to seek the lawful objectives of her client. The record establishes by clear and convincing evidence a violation of DR 7-101(A)(1).