Opinion ID: 1196802
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: THE B. et al. MATTER

Text: In November 1976, client B. and others retained petitioner to represent them in their personal injury claims. In March 1977, petitioner was informed by B.'s new counsel that he was discharged. Nevertheless, petitioner settled the B. claim for $5,900 without his former clients' knowledge, signing the clients' names on the settlement drafts. Petitioner wilfully failed and refused to forward any of the proceeds to his former clients but instead wilfully commingled and converted the settlement proceeds to his own use and benefit. In connection with each of the five matters summarized above, petitioner required his clients to sign a retainer agreement which purported to authorize him to settle their claims, collect settlement proceeds on their behalf, endorse any settlement checks in their names, and disburse proceeds to pay expenses, including attorney's fees. Petitioner does not presently contend, however, that the retainer agreement either excused or mitigated his conduct, and indeed the record indicates that his clients either did not read, or failed to understand, the terms of the agreement. Accordingly, we need not reach the question of the propriety or legal effect of such agreements.