Opinion ID: 1768691
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Count VIIThe Francis Matter

Text: In August 1996, Lona Francis retained respondent to obtain a divorce on her behalf. Ms. Francis paid respondent $50 on August 3, 1996 and $100 on December 31, 1997. However, respondent failed to complete the representation. He also failed to account for any earned portion of the legal fee and failed to refund the unearned portion of the fee. In April 2000, Ms. Ussin filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. On April 25, 2000, the ODC forwarded a copy of the complaint to respondent by certified mail. Respondent failed to reply to the complaint. The ODC thereafter served respondent with a subpoena compelling him to appear and answer the complaint under oath. Respondent failed to appear. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct in this matter violates the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3, 1.5(f), 1.16(d), 8.1(c), 8.4(a), and 8.4(g).