Opinion ID: 1696746
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count IChinn Matter

Text: In 1995, Robert and Helania Chinn retained respondent to institute a personal injury suit against the Iberville Parish Police Jury. Respondent timely filed suit on behalf of his clients in September 1996, but withheld service on the defendant for over one year. The defendant filed a motion to dismiss, on the ground that service was not requested within ninety days, as required by La. R.S. 13:5107 D. After a contradictory hearing, the case was dismissed without prejudice. Respondent spoke to Mrs. Chinn only once after the case had been dismissed by the trial court. At that time, he advised her he could win the case on appeal. [2] The ODC alleges respondent failed to advise his clients of their potential legal malpractice action against him, although respondent disputes this allegation. [3] The ODC contends respondent's actions violate Rules 1.1(a) (incompetence), 1.2(a) (scope of representation), 1.3 (lack of diligence), 3.2 (failure to expedite litigation) and 8.4(a) (violating or attempting to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct).