Opinion ID: 2487827
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Count IIIThe Ashford Matter

Text: In January 2008, Claudette Ashford hired respondent to represent her in a paternity, custody, and child support matter. Ms. Ashford claimed she began having problems contacting respondent after respondent filed the petition. Ms. Ashford also claimed the matter was continued without date because the opposing party had not been served. She further claimed her last contact with respondent was April 17, 2008. Additionally, Ms. Ashford indicated she sent respondent certified letters requesting a refund, to no avail. Eventually, Ms. Ashford retained new counsel to complete the matter. Respondent failed to submit a written response to Ms. Ashford's disciplinary complaint. However, in an April 2009 sworn statement, respondent testified that she never completed the matter because Ms. Ashford failed to remit the entire fee. Respondent also informed Ms. Ashford that she would withdraw from the case but failed to do so. Respondent further testified that she would submit a written response to the complaint and forward Ms. Ashford's file by April 27, 2009. However, respondent failed to do so. The ODC alleged respondent's conduct violated the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16 (terminating the representation of a client), 3.2 (failure to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation), 8.1(c) (failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation), 8.4(a), and 8.4(c).