Opinion ID: 1612977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Counts I & IIThe Ashford Matter

Text: In June 2003, Mirodello Ashford hired respondent to appeal his state criminal conviction. Respondent was paid a total of $4,300 in advanced fixed fees for the representation. [1] Thereafter, respondent failed to file a brief on behalf of Mr. Ashford or otherwise proceed with the appeal. She also failed to adequately communicate with her client and refund the unearned fees. During her May 18, 2004 sworn statement, respondent admitted to neglecting Mr. Ashford's appeal and agreed to refund the unearned fees, with legal interest, within two weeks. Nevertheless, she did not refund the fees and interest, totaling $5,438.02, until June 2007. The ODC alleged that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client), 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client), 1.5(f)(5) (failure to refund an unearned fee), 1.16(d) (obligations upon termination of the representation), 8.1(c) (failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation), 8.4(a) (violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct), 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation), and 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.