Opinion ID: 2504895
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Misconduct in the handling of client funds

Text: In Matters I and II, Respondent accepted fees for the purpose of representing clients in criminal matters, did no work on the matters prior to his suspension, and failed to refund the unearned attorney's fees. In Matter III, a client facing fraudulent check charges entrusted Respondent with funds to pay the checks at issue. Respondent failed to make the payments, and the client went to jail. In Matter IV, Respondent obtained a personal injury settlement on behalf of his client in 2003, but he failed to pay the client's medical providers and insurers out of the settlement funds. The funds owed to third parties totaled over $17,000. At the time of his suspension in 2008, the funds in Respondent's trust account were insufficient to cover the amount due. Respondent had not maintained the trust account records required by Rule 417, SCACR.