Opinion ID: 1530578
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Complaint of Thelma Lambert

Text: As a result of the Complaint filed by Thelma Lambert, an AGC investigation was initiated. Although Ms. Lambert was not present at the hearing before this Court, the excerpt of her testimony from the IPH was introduced without objection. The facts revealed by the investigation follow. Ms. Lambert wanted a deed prepared for her home. After seeing an advertisement in the paper for Maryland Paralegal Associates, Inc. (MPA), Ms. Lambert contacted Robert Morgan. Mr. Morgan is not an attorney. Mr. Morgan agreed to perform the desired services for her upon receipt of her check for the fee. The check was sent in May, 1993. Ms. Lambert then made numerous attempts to reach Mr. Morgan. Eventually, she received a call from Mr. Morgan who told her that he would take care of the matter. In July, 1993, Mr. Morgan visited Ms. Lambert's house with Mr. Milliken. Mr. Morgan asked Ms. Lambert in the presence of Mr. Milliken if there was any other work for him to do. Both Mr. Morgan and the Respondent gave Ms. Lambert their business cards. After promising to take care of the paperwork that day, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Milliken left the house. Mr. Morgan never completed the work, contacted Ms. Lambert, or refunded her money. On cross-examination, Ms. Lambert admitted that she did not expect anything from Mr. Milliken nor did he promise to do anything for her. After this contact, Ms. Lambert was unable to reach Mr. Morgan again even though he had cashed a $200 check from her. Mr. Milliken maintained that he had nothing to do with Ms. Lambert. He did not recall handing her his business card and stated that he was only there because he was getting a ride from Mr. Morgan. The Respondent testified that he went outside with Ms. Lambert's son while Mr. Morgan discussed business. Bar Counsel urges this Court find that Mr. Milliken violated Maryland Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5 by assisting a person not a member of the Bar with the unauthorized practice of law. Bar Counsel was unable to establish by clear and convincing evidence a relationship of the nature that would violate this rule. Ms. Lambert was unclear whether Mr. Morgan and Mr. Milliken were working together and Mr. Milliken stated that he was not involved in the case. In fact, on May 2, 1996, Bar Counsel admitted in closing argument that this was the most tenuous of the complaints and asked this Court to find that evidence showing a close working relationship between both men, the carrying of each other's business card, and Mr. Milliken's presence at the meeting with Ms. Lambert were enough to demonstrate the alleged misconduct. This Court declines such an invitation as Bar Counsel was unable to meet its burden of proof of clear and convincing evidence with respect to this Complaint. Since the client herself acknowledged at the IPH that she did not expect anything from Milliken and that he did not promise to do anything for her, this Court finds the evidence utterly insufficient in this instance.