Opinion ID: 2320057
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Complaint of George E. Meng, Esquire.

Text: George E. Meng, Esquire, represented the personal representative throughout the bulk of the will caveat proceeding in opposition to Ms. Serabian. On 12 March 2003, Meng initially learned that Respondent represented Ms. Serabian and her brother. He attempted to contact Respondent in order to discuss the case. Respondent did not answer his phone. After the voice message he left went unreturned, Meng left another detailed voice message on 18 March 2003 concerning a Status Conference in the Orphans' Court scheduled for 23 April 2003. When Respondent did not respond timely to that message, the Status Conference date was confirmed without Steinberg's input. Respondent finally placed a return phone call in response to Meng's voice mail messages on 23 March 2003. After attempts failed at mediation of the caveat proceeding, Meng attempted to contact Steinberg on 8 July, 15 July, and again on 10 September 2003, in order to schedule depositions, including the deposition of Ms. Serabian. In addition to repeated phone calls, Mr. Meng sent a letter on 17 September 2003 outlining potential dates for the depositions. He received no response from Respondent, and Ms. Serabian's deposition was noted for 22 October 2003, again without the input of Steinberg. On the eve of the scheduled 22 October 2003 deposition, Steinberg faxed Meng and counsel for the legatees, stating that . . . due to unforeseen circumstances, [Respondent was] unavailable for the deposition scheduled . . . for October 22 of 2003. Based on this cryptic message, the deposition was rescheduled for 13 November 2003. Meng did not hear from Steinberg again until the 12 November 2003 misrepresentations previously discussed in the findings of fact as to Ms. Serabian's complaint. Respondent informed Meng on 9 February 2004 that he had been discharged by Ms. Serabian. In addition to Ms. Serabian's repeated requests to Respondent to strike his appearance, Mr. Meng also made several attempts to urge Steinberg to file a formal Motion to Withdraw. Despite repeated efforts, including calls directed to Respondent on 9 February, 19 February, 16 March, 18 March and again on 8 June, Respondent did not initiate action to withdraw his appearance. On June 8, Meng finally was able to reach Respondent, at which time Respondent misrepresented to him that a Motion to Withdraw had been filed. As noted earlier, the motion was not filed until 13 August 2004.