Opinion ID: 1530409
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Failure Promptly to Deliver to Client and Third Parties Funds They Were Entitled to Receive

Text: Rule 1.15(b) provides that: Upon receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a lawyer shall promptly notify the client or third person. Except as stated in this rule or otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer shall promptly deliver to the client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive and, upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a full accounting regarding such property, subject to Rule 1.6. There is no doubt that Respondent violated this rule. In May, 1992, Respondent executed an assignment and authorization to pay Dr. Garmon for the medical treatment provided Officer Humble from the settlement proceeds. In November, 1994, Respondent received $80,000 in settlement funds for Officer Humble's case. In February, 1995, Officer Humble authorized the disbursal of the settlement funds in accordance with the settlement sheet provided by Respondent. That settlement sheet indicated that Dr. Garmon was entitled to receive $20,337.85. Respondent negotiated a reduction of the bill to $16,837.85, to which Dr. Garmon agreed. Tr. 57; BX 11. Respondent testified that he believed that someone on his staff negotiated a further reduction, to $12,500. Tr. 94. As of the date of the hearing, Dr. Garmon had received no payment for his treatment of Officer Humble. Tr. 94, 143.