Opinion ID: 2595336
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Count IV, Barnett

Text: Respondent has admitted to violations of KRPC 1.3 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 294) (diligence) and 1.4 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 303) (communication) of this count and the evidence relating thereto need not be restated. As to the claimed violation of KRPC 1.1 (competence), respondent failed to appear at a scheduled court date and never notified the client of her failure. She admitted that Barnett's case fell through the cracks. There was sufficient evidence to support the panel's finding as to this charge. Respondent attempted to explain and excuse the failure to docket Barnett's court date and the failure to enclose a refund check in a letter of apology (resulting in Barnett having to sue respondent in small claims court) as being the result of errors by her support staff. This results in a violation of KRPC 5.3 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 384) (responsibility for nonlawyer assistants). Respondent even said, I'm the attorney, so I know I'm responsible. This conduct and testimony, considered along with the other admitted violations on this count, is likewise sufficient to support a violation of KRPC 8.4 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 399) (misconduct), for it reflects adversely on respondent's fitness to practice law. There is a letter admitted as a part of exhibit 40 which shows, as to this complaint, the respondent did reply to the Disciplinary Administrator's initial letter. We hold there is not clear and convincing evidence that Rule 207 was violated.