Opinion ID: 2591097
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: The Dean Heizer Matter

Text: In the summer of 2007, Mr. Henson left Respondent's firm to pursue his own L.L.C. In conjunction with starting his new firm, Mr. Henson sent an announcement letter advising clients that if they wanted to transfer their files, they should do so by sending a letter or file-transfer request to Respondent with a copy to Mr. Henson. Many clients completed such forms within thirty days of Mr. Henson's withdrawal. However, Respondent refused to transfer the client's files. Through his counsel, Dean Heizer, Mr. Henson also sent numerous letters to Respondent indicating his clients' wishes to transfer their case to him, but Respondent failed to respond to most of these letters. Attached to the letters were written releases by the clients requesting that their files be immediately transferred to Mr. Henson. While Respondent eventually turned over some files, he refused to turn over all of the files for the clients that transferred to Mr. Henson's new firm and has failed to withdraw as their counsel with the U.S. and foreign patent offices handling their matters. In sum, Respondent refused to return twenty-six client files involving hundreds of separate legal issues, asserting vaguely that he may file a lien on these files. No liens have yet to be filed. Further, in at least one instance, Respondent has refused to withdraw from representing, in federal court, a client that discharged him and transferred to Mr. Henson's firm, forcing Mr. Henson to file a motion to compel Respondent's withdraw from the case. As a result of this conduct, Respondent violated Colo. RPC 1.16(a).