Opinion ID: 1377729
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count IICecil Hill

Text: On October 19, 1995, the complainant, Cecil Hill, retained Keenan to represent him in a divorce, and paid Keenan $2,500.00 as a retainer. At the initial meeting, Keenan advised Mr. Hill that he charged an hourly fee of $125.00. Keenan prepared and filed several documents in connection with the divorce including the initial complaint, a motion for pendente lite relief, a response to a family violence petition, and an appeal of a family violence protective order. In December 1995, Mr. Hill reconciled with his wife. Following the reconciliation, Mr. Hill called Keenan's office several times requesting a termination of Keenan's services, an itemized accounting of his fee, and a return of any unearned monies. Keenan did not return Mr. Hill's telephone calls. On January 17, 1996, Mr. Hill sent Keenan a certified letter indicating his desire that the divorce action be suspended, and again requesting that Keenan return any unearned portion of the fee. By letter dated January 26, 1996, Keenan responded to Mr. Hill stating that the agreement reached between them included a non-refundable retainer. Mr. Hill filed an ethics complaint against Keenan. Following a review of the matter, the Board charged Keenan with violating Rule 1.15(b) [6] of the Rules of Professional Conduct for failing to promptly render a full accounting to his client. Keenan stipulated to the charge made by the Board.