Opinion ID: 2509532
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Evidence presented in aggravation

Text: The People called Mr. David Japha, Esq., a witness who offered evidence in aggravation. Mr. Japha met Respondent in 1998. At that time, Mr. Japha rented space from Zaplier and Associates, where Respondent worked as a law clerk. In July of 2003, Respondent took over and renamed the Zaplier law firm, thereby establishing Rhodes Law Firm, LLC. Mr. Japha then joined Respondent's firm as an associate, receiving a percentage of any earned profits from the clients he brought in to the firm and also drawing a salary of $2,500 per month. On or about March of 2004, Mr. Japha and his legal assistant noticed some discrepancies in one of his client's accounts. Mr. Japha and Mr. Holub, the other lawyer working in Respondent's law firm, discovered that the firm's trust account had been overdrawn. They discussed this matter with Respondent. When Mr. Japha confronted Respondent, he admitted taking client money from the trust account. Mr. Japha testified that he was upset with Respondent because Respondent had placed Japha and his clients in jeopardy by taking money out of the trust account. Mr. Japha also testified that, while Respondent had potential as a lawyer, he fell so short. During his experience with Respondent, Respondent did not appear to appreciate the distinction between the business aspects of the practice of law and the fiduciary duties owed to clients. Specifically, Mr. Japha testified that Respondent failed to pay Rhodes firm bills after he was suspended and failed to inform clients of his immediate suspension. Mr. Japha believes Respondent's actions demonstrate that he did not appreciate his fiduciary duties. Making a statement as a complainant, Mr. Japha further offered that, in his judgment, Respondent's egregious act of misappropriating client funds from the firm's trust account warrants disbarment.