Opinion ID: 1794043
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Count I The Irvin Matter

Text: In January 2002, Christopher Irvin paid respondent $850 to handle a divorce, including the appointment of a curator. Respondent ceased his efforts to have the curator appointed when he received information concerning the domicile of Mr. Irvin's wife; however, respondent was subsequently unsuccessful in obtaining a waiver of service from the wife. Thereafter, respondent abandoned any further efforts in the divorce proceeding. Mr. Irvin repeatedly e-mailed respondent from his military position overseas to learn the status of the divorce. On February 26, 2002, respondent answered one e-mail stating the papers had been filed, explaining the service process, and saying there were a couple months to go. Respondent did not respond to any further e-mails and did not communicate again with Mr. Irvin in any way. In June 2002, Mr. Irvin filed a disciplinary complaint against respondent. Respondent responded to the complaint and admitted that he had not filed any pleadings or taken any action on Mr. Irvin's behalf, nor refunded any fees. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violates the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client), 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client), 1.5(f)(6) (failure to refund an unearned fee), and 1.16(d) (obligations upon termination of the representation).