Opinion ID: 1264855
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Client H Matter

Text: Client H retained Respondent, and issued a check to Respondent for $2,000 as a retainer fee. Respondent negotiated the check, but did not put it in his trust account. Respondent met with Client H once, then failed to communicate with her, or take any action on her behalf. Respondent did not inform Client H that he was closing his law office. Respondent did not take any steps to protect Client H's interests upon termination of his representation of her. Respondent did not refund the retainer fee to Client H. The subpanel found Respondent violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct found in Rule 407, SCACR: Rule 1.1 (Competence); Rule 1.2 (Scope of Representation); Rule 1.3 (Diligence); Rule 1.4 (Communication); Rule 1.5 (Fees); Rule 1.15 (Safekeeping of Property); Rule 1.16 (Termination of Representation); Rule 8.4(a) (Misconduct-Violation of Rules of Professional Conduct); and Rule 8.4(d) (Misconduct-Conduct Involving Dishonesty, Deceit and Misrepresentation).