Opinion ID: 1751432
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Count IIThe Frazier Matter

Text: In April 2001, Emmanuel Frazier was shot and killed by the police while allegedly fleeing arrest. A few days later, respondent approached Emmanuel's parents, David and Lucy Frazier, at a Shreveport funeral home where they were making funeral arrangements for their son and asked them to meet with him regarding their son's killing. The Fraziers did not know respondent, had no prior professional or personal relationship with him, nor had they previously contacted him seeking legal assistance. Nonetheless, they met with him and signed a general power of attorney, which allowed respondent to investigate Emmanuel's death. Respondent also learned that Emmanuel was survived by an infant daughter. Upon learning the identity of the child's mother, Lakendra Williams, respondent signed her to a contingency fee agreement to represent her in a wrongful death claim. In April 2002, respondent filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of Ms. Williams and the Fraziers based on a wrongful death claim. Because Emmanuel had a daughter, his parents did not have a viable wrongful death claim. In November 2002, the Fraziers' claims were dismissed. In April 2004, the Fraziers filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. They alleged that respondent failed to communicate with them and failed to return their file.