Opinion ID: 1379246
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: The Fike Matter

Text: Respondent was retained to represent Fike in a civil action against a residential builder and its owners for a fee of about $3,300. After a length of time with minimal action, Respondent failed to respond to Fike's repeated requests for information regarding the case. Fike gave Respondent specific directions as to strategy and decisions about the action, which Respondent refused to follow. Respondent initially misled Fike about the overall conditions and timing of the action, resulting in personal hardship to Fike. Respondent lacked the requisite legal competence to pursue the action for which Fike hired him. Respondent delayed Fike's legal action through his deliberate refusal to respond to discovery requests. Respondent failed to respond to opposing counsel, even though documents required for the discovery process were provided to Respondent and were in his possession. Respondent failed to provide an accounting to Fike for the use of the fees received and the performance of legal services. Respondent failed to provide Fike any information regarding his practice and availability to continue the action on Fike's behalf. Respondent was placed on interim suspension on October 2, 1998. Thereafter, he failed to comply with this Court's directives and did not adequately protect Fike's interests. Fike filed a letter of complaint with the Commission on Lawyer Conduct and Respondent failed to respond to the subsequent inquiries and investigation.