Opinion ID: 1264855
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Client K Matter

Text: Respondent represented Client K in a real estate closing. Client K signed over to Respondent a check for $170,000, proceeds from the sale of Client K's home, as well as an additional $38,000. Respondent was to place the funds in an interest bearing account and draw funds on the account to pay the contractor who was building Client K's home. Respondent closed his law office with no notice to Client K. Respondent did not pay the real estate agent, nor the contractor. Respondent did open an account on behalf of Client K, but only placed one dollar in the account. Respondent misappropriated and commingled Client K's money. The subpanel found Respondent violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct found in Rule 407, SCACR: Rule 1.15 (Safekeeping of Property); Rule 8.4(a) (Misconduct-Violation of Rules of Professional Conduct); Rule 8.4(b) (Misconduct-Committing a Criminal Act); Rule 8.4(c) (Misconduct-Conduct Involving Moral Turpitude); Rule 8.4(d) (Misconduct-Conduct Involving Dishonesty, Deceit and Misrepresentation); and Rule 8.4(e) (Misconduct-Prejudice to the Administration of Justice).