Opinion ID: 1849814
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Representation of Daniel Kouba

Text: On December 22, 2000, Daniel Kouba hired James, pursuant to a contingent fee agreement, to represent him in a workers' compensation case. Kouba became dissatisfied with James and discharged James as his attorney on February 20, 2002. James contends Kouba's dissatisfaction arose from matters outside of James' control; specifically, an adverse determination by an administrative judge regarding Kouba's unemployment compensation appeal. Kouba, on the other hand, stated in his grievance letter to the Counsel for Discipline that James was providing inadequate representation. In any event, on February 20, Kouba discharged James and specifically instructed James to turn over Kouba's file to his new attorney. James did not acknowledge the discharge, nor did he turn over the file to Kouba's new attorney. On March 28, Kouba filed a grievance against James alleging that James would not deliver Kouba's file to his new attorney.