Opinion ID: 1875759
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: American Built, Inc. Matter

Text: In February of 2000, Sotak agreed to represent American Built, Inc. in the enforcement and foreclosure of two mechanics' liens. In June of 2000, the property owner's attorney made a written demand that American Built bring suit on its mechanics' liens within thirty days pursuant to Iowa Code section 572.28. Sotak accepted service of these demands and, without American Built's knowledge or consent, gave the property owner a mechanics' lien waiver for part of the disputed labor and materials. Sotak eventually filed American Built's actions to foreclose the mechanics' liens on December 18, 2000, but failed to serve the original notice on the property owner within ninety days as required by Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.302(5). Sotak filed a dismissal prior to the hearing scheduled to address whether the lawsuit should be dismissed for failure to timely effect service of process. Sotak never told American Built the action had been dismissed; instead he indicated the lawsuit was progressing satisfactorily and settlement negotiations were underway. When Sotak switched to the Zarley law firm he never told American Built it needed to hire a different attorney.