Opinion ID: 1264855
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Doe Estate Matter

Text: Respondent was retained to represent the estate of Doe. Respondent failed to respond to reasonable inquiries and requests for documentation from the personal representative (PR) and beneficiaries. The estate was administratively closed by the Probate Court, and Respondent failed to inform the PR or beneficiaries. Respondent reopened the estate and promised to pay the beneficiaries any losses or expenses resulting from his lack of diligence. Respondent's law firm was dissolved and Respondent opened a solo practice. Respondent failed to inform the PR or beneficiaries of his new address and phone number. Four months later, Respondent closed his practice without notifying the parties. The loss in value of the assets of the estate is estimated at $300,000 due to a downturn in the stock market during Respondent's delay. 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 1.16 (Termination of Representation); Rule 3.2 (Expediting Litigation); Rule 4.4 (Respect for Rights of Third Persons); Rule 8.4(a) (Misconduct-Violation of Rules of Professional Conduct); and Rule 8.4(e) (Misconduct-Prejudice to the Administration of Justice).