Opinion ID: 2302582
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: MLRPC 8.4(c) and (d): Misconduct

Text: MLRPC 8.4(c) prohibits an attorney from, among other things, making misrepresentations to his or her client. See, e.g., Atty. Griev. Comm'n v. Maignan, 423 Md. 191, 204, 31 A.3d 467, 474 (2011); Atty. Griev. Comm'n v. Kreamer, 404 Md. 282, 333-34, 946 A.2d 500, 530-31 (2008). Respondent misrepresented to Cartzendafner the status of her case. Judge Cavanaugh found, by clear and convincing evidence, that Brown advised her in 2008 that her case was still pending in arbitration before the HCAO. In fact, the HCAO dismissed her case two years prior for lack of prosecution. Therefore, Respondent made a direct misrepresentation to his client and violated MLRPC 8.4(c). This Court will find a MLRPC 8.4(c) violation also when an attorney conceals material information from his or her client, despite not misrepresenting explicitly the information. Bleecker, 414 Md. at 168-69, 994 A.2d at 940-41 (citing, among other cases, Atty. Griev. Comm'n v. Harris, 403 Md. 142, 163, 939 A.2d 732, 744 (2008)). In Bleecker, the attorney failed to disclose or explain to his client that her case had been dismissed with prejudice, thus violating MLRPC 8.4(c). 414 Md. at 169, 994 A.2d at 941. A third party informed the client about the dismissal and subsequent expiration of the statute of limitations. Bleecker, 414 Md. at 169, 994 A.2d at 941. Here, Brown concealed twice material information about Phoebus's claims. First, he advised Phoebus to dismiss one of his claims, which had been dismissed already for lack of prosecution. Second, Respondent failed to advise Phoebus that his second claim had been dismissed for lack of prosecution. As in Bleecker, Phoebus learned from a third party that his claims had been dismissed and were time-barred. Thus, Respondent misrepresented, by concealment, that Phoebus's claims were pending and active with the HCAO. Regarding MLRPC 8.4(d), we have noted that: [A Respondent's] failure to promptly, completely and truthfully respond to Bar Counsel's requests for information, to keep his client advised of the status of the representation and to diligently represent the complainant constitutes conduct which tends to bring the legal profession into disrepute and is therefore prejudicial to the administration of justice. Atty. Griev. Comm'n v. Rose, 391 Md. 101, 111, 892 A.2d 469, 475 (2006). As detailed supra, Respondent failed to respond to at least two information requests from Petitioner, neglected to keep his clients updated regarding the status of their claims, and failed to represent his clients with the diligence and promptness expected from Maryland attorneys. The totality of Respondent's conduct amounted to a violation of MLRPC 8.4(d).