Opinion ID: 1984112
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: DLRPC 1.4(b), 3.4(c), 3.5(c) and 8.4(d)

Text: Notwithstanding the Board's findings concerning DLRPC 1.4(a), 1.3 and 1.1, the ODC argues that the Board should have found that Mekler violated 1.4(b), 3.4(c), 3.5(c) and 8.4(d). DLRPC 1.4(b) requires a lawyer to explain properly a legal matter to his or her client. There is no evidence to support a finding that Mekler violated this rule. In fact, the evidence shows that Mekler met with the Garvines briefly, explained the matter to them, urged them to settle, and that the Garvines disregarded his advice. The Board did not err when it did not find a violation of Rule 1.4(b). With regard to DLRPC 3.4(c), the Board found that Mekler did not knowingly disregard an obligation to the tribunal. There is no evidence demonstrating that the Board erred. Although Mekler obviously erred when he thought that the court had granted his motion for a continuance, it appears that this erroneous belief was based on unprofessional office procedures rather than any knowing or willful attempt to disregard an obligation to a tribunal. Likewise, the Board's finding that Mekler did not violate 3.5(c) by intentionally engaging in conduct to disrupt a tribunal is supported by the same evidence. The ODC's only possible meritorious claim is that the Board erred when it found that Mekler did not violate DLRPC 8.4(d). That rule prohibits lawyers from engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Twice failing to appear before a tribunal at the appropriate time is clearly unprofessional. In a given case, it could be found to be a violation of DLRPC 8.4(d) since such conduct can be disruptive and a waste of the court's time and resources. Under the circumstances of this case, however, we do not find that the Board erred in concluding that the record does not establish by clear and convincing evidence that Mekler's unprofessional conduct violated the rule.