Opinion ID: 2595336
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Count II, Davey

Text: With regard to KRPC 1.1 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 284) (competence), respondent's actions in having different attorneys not previously involved appear at the pretrial hearing and trial without prior approval of the client is inexcusable. Although it is unlikely that the last minute substitutions of attorneys affected the outcome for the client in this case, requiring the client to face the hearing with unfamiliar counsel was grossly inappropriate and clearly shows a lack of competence on respondent's part. Likewise, the evidence is clear and convincing that respondent violated KRPC 1.4 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 303) (communication) by not returning calls and not informing the client until 9 p.m. the night before the hearing that she had a conflict (scheduled after the custody hearing was scheduled) and that substitute counsel would be appearing in her place. This whole scenario is appalling to the court. The violation of KRPC 8.4 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 399) (misconduct) is also shown as respondent's actions clearly constitute conduct adversely reflecting on her fitness to practice law. Respondent failed to respond to the Disciplinary Administrator's communications as to this complaint despite the letter setting forth specific rules and reported cases requiring an attorney to do so, and a violation of Rule 207 is clearly shown.