Opinion ID: 1792167
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The R.J. Client Matter

Text: ¶ 26. Count 10 alleged that Attorney Scanlan violated SCR 20:1.1 [11] involving a collection matter. The referee determined, based on agreed upon facts, that in April 2001 Attorney Scanlan had agreed to represent R.J. in a civil lawsuit and made a brief appearance but failed to appear at trial, which proceeded in his client's absence and resulted in a judgment against R.J. for interest, attorney fees and costs, and which assessed fees and costs personally against Attorney Scanlan. The referee found the circuit court granted attorney fees and costs on the ground that Attorney Scanlan's continuance of R.J.'s defense following discovery was frivolous. The referee concluded that by failing to determine whether his client had a viable defense, failing to file an amendment to his client's pro se answer and to respond to the cross-claim, or alternatively seek settlement, Attorney Scanlan failed to provide competent representation, contrary to SCR 20:1.1.