Opinion ID: 1612977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Counts VII & VIIIThe Johnson Matter

Text: In May 2005, Lucille Johnson hired respondent to represent her son, Lyndon Johnson, who was challenging his alleged illegal sentence in a state criminal conviction. Ms. Johnson paid respondent $400 towards a $1,000 advanced fixed fee for the representation. Thereafter, respondent failed to maintain proper communication with her client or Ms. Johnson. Thus, Ms. Johnson did not make any further payments. Respondent did not file any pleadings or refund the unearned fee. The Johnsons filed a disciplinary complaint against respondent, which was forwarded to her in March 2006. Respondent failed to respond to the complaint, necessitating the issuance of a subpoena to take her sworn statement. Despite receiving the subpoena, respondent failed to appear for the sworn statement. Respondent refunded the unearned fees and interest, totaling $467, in June 2007. The ODC alleged that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f)(5), 1.16(d), 3.4(a) (unlawfully obstructing another party's access to evidence), 3.4(c) (knowing disobedience of an obligation under the rules of a tribunal), 8.1(c), 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 9(c) (knowing failure to respond to a lawful demand from a disciplinary authority).