Opinion ID: 1608332
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Count III The Soo Matter

Text: In August 2001, David Low Keng Soo hired respondent to represent him in a claim against Guarantee System Construction & Restoration, Inc. (Guarantee), paying her $400 towards the retainer. In November 2001, Guarantee filed suit against Mr. Soo in the 19th Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. In December 2001, respondent filed an answer and reconventional demand on behalf of Mr. Soo and his co-defendant. In May 2003, respondent began a new job as an assistant district attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office. Nonetheless, she continued to represent Mr. Soo in the Guarantee litigation. In July 2003, Guarantee filed a motion for summary judgment. Respondent traveled to Baton Rouge from New Orleans to attend the summary judgment hearing set for November 10, 2003. Mr. Soo paid respondent an additional $500 in attorney's fees in connection with the hearing, plus $163.85 to cover her lodging while in Baton Rouge. However, because Guarantee had never filed an answer to the reconventional demand, the hearing was reset for December 8, 2003. Thereafter, Guarantee filed its answer to the reconventional demand and noticed the deposition of Mr. Soo for December 1, 2003. Respondent was properly notified of the deposition but failed to notify Mr. Soo. Neither respondent nor Mr. Soo appeared for the deposition. On December 4, 2003, respondent filed a memorandum in opposition to Guarantee's motion for summary judgment. However, respondent failed to appear at the summary judgment hearing due to a medical emergency. She faxed a letter to the presiding judge to advise of her medical condition; however, she failed to obtain a continuance of the hearing or associate counsel to appear in her absence. The hearing went forward, and judgment was granted against Mr. Soo. Respondent discussed with Mr. Soo his option to appeal the judgment; however, respondent ultimately did not file an appeal. In November 2004, Mr. Soo filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. Respondent failed to fully cooperate with the ODC in its investigation. The ODC alleged that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.1 (failure to provide competent representation to a client), 1.3, 1.4, 8.1(c), 8.4(a), 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.