Opinion ID: 1686050
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Count I The Durel Matter

Text: In November 2003, respondent settled Mary Durel's personal injury claim for the sum of $2,000. Respondent retrieved the settlement check from opposing counsel on December 17, 2003, the same day that Mrs. Durel died. [3] Respondent then endorsed Mrs. Durel's signature on the check and negotiated it. She also failed to return the settlement documentation to opposing counsel. When questioned about the matter, respondent admitted that she had settled her client's claim without authority, endorsed the settlement check without authority, and converted the funds. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violates the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.4, 1.15, 8.4(a), and 8.4(c).