Opinion ID: 1348121
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Kleier Matter

Text: A lawyer referred Donald L. Kleier to Skaalerud for the purpose of representing him in a workers' compensation matter. Kleier and Skaalerud entered into a fee agreement in July 1996 whereby Skaalerud would be entitled to 20% of the contested benefits that he obtained on Kleier's behalf. He also requested and obtained a power of attorney from Kleier. [1] On October 10, 1996, the Colorado Compensation Insurance Authority (CCIA) filed a final admission of liability that showed Kleier had been paid a total of $19,757.02 in temporary total disability benefits, and that the permanent partial disability settlement would be $23,913.61. The reduced figure for a lump sum payment was $20,033.20. However, Skaalerud based his 20% fee on the $23,913.61, for a total fee of $4,782.72. He received a check from the CCIA on October 21, 1996, in the amount of $10,328.03. He disbursed $5,828.03 to Kleier and kept the remaining $4,500 for himself. Two days later, he received another CCIA check for $9,705.20, which with the initial $10,328.03 totaled $20,033.23, approximately the total lump sum amount. Skaalerud kept the full amount of the second check. Kleier was entitled to $20,033.23 less Skaalerud's 20% fee of $4,782.72, and less the $5,828.03 Kleier had already been paid, or $9,422.48. However, Kleier has not received any of this money. As of March 31, 1997, the balance in Skaalerud's trust account was $1.31. Skaalerud has stipulated that his conduct violated Colo. RPC 1.3 (neglecting a legal matter); Colo. RPC 1.4(a) (failing to communicate appropriately with a client); Colo. RPC 1.15(b) (failing to deliver funds the client is entitled to receive); Colo. RPC 8.4(b) (committing a criminal act adversely reflecting on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness); Colo. RPC 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); Colo. RPC 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice); and Colo. RPC 8.4(h) (engaging in conduct adversely reflecting on the lawyer's fitness to practice law).