Opinion ID: 1718430
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count II-The Pender Matter

Text: In early 2001, respondent left his nearly ten-year employment as an associate with a law firm to begin a solo practice. Respondent secured a line of credit from Bank One and borrowed funds against the line that he failed to repay. After Bank One filed suit against respondent, he approached a client, Wayne Pender, and requested that Mr. Pender loan him $20,000. Mr. Pender agreed to do so, and respondent subsequently paid these funds to Bank One in settlement of his debt. However, respondent failed to advise Mr. Pender to consult independent counsel regarding the loan. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violated Rule 1.8(a) (conflict of interest) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.