Opinion ID: 1572084
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count IIThe Evans Matter

Text: In February 2005, Troy Lynn Evans hired respondent to handle her divorce. Initially, respondent represented Ms. Evans on a pro bono basis through the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. Following Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Evans contacted respondent regarding the status of her divorce, and respondent informed her that he was no longer associated with the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. He also informed her that she would have to pay him $300 for him to continue the representation. Accordingly, Ms. Evans paid respondent $150 in March 2006. Nevertheless, respondent did not proceed with the divorce. Thereafter, Ms. Evans made numerous attempts to contact respondent with no success. She also sought a refund and the return of her file materials. Respondent did not respond to her requests. Eventually, Ms. Evans was forced to retain another lawyer to finalize her divorce, at an additional cost of $300. The ODC sent notice of Ms. Evans' complaint to respondent in November 2006, but he failed to respond. In October 2006, the ODC issued a subpoena to take respondent's sworn statement. Despite being personally served with the subpoena, respondent failed to appear.