Opinion ID: 2534822
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Count VThe Leon Matter

Text: Joyce Leon retained respondent to represent her in a personal injury matter. In August 2001, respondent filed suit on behalf of Mrs. Leon in state court, naming as the defendant a Native American Indian tribe which has sovereign immunity from suit in state and federal court. Respondent belatedly transferred the suit to Tribal Court, but he thereafter failed to effect service of process on the defendant. In May 2003, the suit was dismissed on the defendant's exceptions of insufficiency of service of process and prescription. Respondent did not inform Mrs. Leon of the adverse judgment, nor did he advise her of her right to appeal the decision. The ODC alleged respondent's conduct in the Leon matter violated the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.1(a), 1.3, 1.4, 3.1 (meritorious claims and contentions), 3.2, 3.3, 8.4(a), and 8.4(d).