Opinion ID: 1961033
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: FACTS RELEVANT TO LEWIS, et al. V. MIHIALOVICI, et al.

Text: Emily Lewis, (hereinafter `Ms. Lewis'), retained the Respondent to recover damages for injuries sustained by her minor son, Michael Lewis (hereinafter, `Michael'), as a result of his being struck by a taxicab on or about September 12, 1989. Also on this date, Ms. Lewis signed a retainer agreement provided by Respondent. The Respondent filed suit on behalf of Michael against the driver and the taxicab company on February 7, 1992, in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, Lewis, et. Al. v. Mihialovici, et al., case number 470592. Respondent was initially unable to serve the taxicab company or the driver. The driver, John R. Mihialovici was served with process on or about March 4, 1995. The taxicab company was never served. In a letter dated June 18, 1993, Respondent notified Ms. Lewis that the trial in this case was scheduled for September 3, 1993. Also in this letter, Respondent explained that he had not served the defendant and if he could not serve the defendant before September 3, the trial would be rescheduled. Although Ms. Lewis and Michael Lewis did appear in court on September 3, Respondent did not. The trial was rescheduled for April 20, 1995. Respondent did not appear on this day. The trial was rescheduled again for July 13, 1995. On July 13, neither the Lewis[ ] [family] nor Respondent appeared. As a result, the case was dismissed by Judge Gale R. Caplan. On August 4, 1995, the Respondent filed a Motion to Vacate the Order of Dismissal. On August 15, 1995, that Motion was denied by Judge Alan M. Resnick because the Respondent failed to sign the Motion. On September 25, 1995, the Respondent filed another Motion to Vacate the Order of Dismissal and that Motion was denied by Judge Gale R. Caplan on October 6, 1995. On February 25, 1997, the case against the taxicab company was dismissed pursuant to Maryland Rule 3-507 [for lack of prosecution]. Respondent alleged that Michael Lewis discharged him in September of 1995. He also alleged that Michael Lewis threatened to sue him. Respondent suggested that Michael hire another attorney. Respondent never withdrew his appearance nor did he communicate to the Lewis[] [family] that he was no longer willing to represent them.