Opinion ID: 1108320
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Count IIIThe Welch Matter

Text: Nicole Welch paid respondent $500 to represent her in a community property dispute. Respondent told Ms. Welch he would contact her when he received a court date. Ms. Welch did not hear back from respondent and attempted to contact him many times. Eventually, respondent's phone was disconnected. Ms. Welch went to respondent's office to find it empty. She had to hire another attorney to complete the matter. In February 2006, Ms. Welch filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. Respondent failed to respond to the complaint, necessitating the issuance of a subpoena to take his sworn statement. Respondent failed to appear for the sworn statement. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f)(5), and 8.1(c) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.