Opinion ID: 1255297
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: whether an attorney is required to file a frivolous claim if the attorney signs a retainer

Text: Jenkins argues that the asbestos case was without merit and that he could not have filed a lawsuit in the matter because a lawsuit would have been frivolous. Jenkins mischaracterizes his responsibilities in representing a client. There has been no assertion or indication by this Court or by any party that Jenkins was required to file a frivolous lawsuit. Jenkins was required to keep Mr. Hopewell informed about the status of the case, to respond to Mr. Hopewell's requests for information, and to provide sufficient information to Mr. Hopewell such that he could make an intelligent decision about the continuation of the matter. I.R.P.C. 1.3, 1.4. Jenkins failed to do all of these things. If Jenkins believed the asbestos case to be without merit, then Jenkins had the duty and responsibility to inform his client of this fact. It was improper for Jenkins to not pursue the action and keep his client uninformed of this fact. I.R.P.C. 1.4.