Opinion ID: 2544002
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Count IIThe Schween Matter

Text: In May 2006, Lyle Schween hired respondent to represent him in a flood loss claim against Allstate Insurance Company, paying him $1,500. Thereafter, respondent failed to produce documents regarding the claim, despite requests by Mr. Schween. Mr. Schween was also unsuccessful in his numerous attempts to contact respondent. In September 2006, Mr. Schween filed a disciplinary complaint against respondent. The complaint was forwarded to respondent's primary address, but he failed to answer the complaint. After several more attempts by the ODC to reach respondent, he finally responded to the complaint in February 2009. In his response, respondent admitted that his work on Mr. Schween's behalf was limited to making a phone call to Allstate. Respondent also agreed to refund the fee paid by Mr. Schween; however, he failed to do so. [3] The ODC alleged respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client), 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client), 1.15(d), 8.4(a), and 8.4(c) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.