Opinion ID: 1991636
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: The Gosen Matter

Text: The 1980, Rita Gosen (grievant) paid a $600.00 retainer to respondent to attempt to recover monies in connection with a real estate transaction, a promissory note and the repossession of an automobile. Grievant and respondent met at the Howard Johnson's restaurant, at which time he assured her that he would forthwith pursue all three matters. No written retainer agreement was prepared or signed. After the initial meeting, grievant met respondent at different places, including Howard Johnson's and Burger King, in order to discuss the progress of the matters. In addition, she made repeated phone calls to his office, invariably reaching an answering machine. Respondent never returned grievant's calls. In November 1985, grievant wrote a letter to respondent, requesting that he return all her documents or, in the alternative, forward them to her new attorney. Respondent refused to do so and failed to take any action in grievant's behalf. At the conclusion of the district ethics committee hearing, which was held on June 17, 1986, and which respondent did not attend, the committee found that respondent had violated R.P.C. 1.2(a), R.P.C. 1.3, R.P.C. 1.4 and R.P.C. 8.4. [7] Specifically, the committee concluded that respondent had failed to abide by the client's decisions or objectives; had failed to act with due diligence; had failed to communicate with the client and to keep her reasonably informed about the status of the matter; and had been guilty of misconduct. The committee recommended that a presentment be brought against respondent.