Opinion ID: 1347088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Teresa G. Tessaro

Text: Ms. Tessaro, as mother and next friend of Vernon T. Tessaro, retained Hardison and his associate to represent them for injuries arising out of an accident Vernon suffered at a church near his home. The lawsuit settled and the church's insurer paid the sum of $8,009.54 from which certain disbursements, including medical bills and litigation expenses, were to be subtracted. On May 29, 1992, a final order was entered by the circuit court approving the settlement. Dr. Syed Zahir submitted medical bills in the amount of $3,037.60 and Dr. E.H. Isaacs submitted medical bills in the amount of $750.00. Hardison and Ms. Tessaro agreed that Hardison would attempt to negotiate a fee reduction from the two doctors in an effort to maximize the amount of recovery Vernon would receive. The hospital and Dr. Isaacs reduced their bills; however, Dr. Zahir declined to do so. Hardison failed to timely pay the medical bills or to disburse the remaining funds. Ms. Tessaro filed an ethics complaint on February 15, 1994. Hardison paid Dr. Zahir on March 17, 1994 and later paid Dr. Isaacs. The remainder of the funds was released to Ms. Tessaro on June 16, 1994. The Board concluded that the delay for a period of more than two years in disbursing the proceeds of the settlement balance to the client and the medical providers violated Rule 1.3 (Diligence) and Rule 1.15(b) (Safekeeping property) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 1.3 states, A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. Rule 1.15(b) states: (b) Upon receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a lawyer shall promptly notify the client or third person. Except as stated in this rule or otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer shall promptly deliver to the client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive and, upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a full accounting regarding such property. The ODC does not contest this finding.