Opinion ID: 2405010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Alleged Violations of Professional Misconduct

Text: This case involves the alleged failures of Elgart to properly represent his client, Lonnie Britford (Britford), in connection with a personal injury matter and subsequent failures to make disclosures to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) in connection with the disciplinary matter. The Board found that Elgart has violated the following Delaware Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct (the Rules): Rule 1.1 requires that a lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 1.1 by failing to represent Britford's interest with the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and/or preparation necessary for the representation. Rule 1.3 requires that a lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 1.3 by failing to distribute settlement funds, meet with Britford, contact the insurance companies and prosecute Britford's claim or return Britford's calls in a timely manner. Rule 1.4(a)(3) requires that a lawyer keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 1.4(a)(3) by failing to keep Britford informed with respect to the details of his matter with Progressive Northern Insurance Company (Progressive). Rule 1.4(a)(4) requires that a lawyer promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 1.4(a)(4) by failing to comply with Britford's reasonable requests for information regarding his matter. Rule 1.15(d) requires that a lawyer shall promptly deliver to a client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive, and upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a full accounting regarding such property. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 1.15(d) by failing to distribute the funds due to Britford in a timely manner. Rule 8.1(b) requires that a lawyer in connection with ... a disciplinary matter, shall not: ... (b) fail to disclose a fact necessary to correct a misapprehension known by the person to have arisen in the matter, or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority. The Board found that the Respondent violated Rule 8.1(b) by failing to disclose (a) information available to him in his office; or (b) information provided to him by Britford; and (c) information in response to ODC's subpoena duces tecum.