Opinion ID: 1253030
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Walker, Bonaparte Matter

Text: Respondent was retained to buy and sell real estate for a sale price of approximately $7,700.00. That sum was deposited in an escrow account maintained by respondent. However, a marketable title could not be provided, and a demand was made on respondent to return the money. Respondent was unable to return the funds because he had commingled, misappropriated and/or converted them to his own use, failed to preserve their identity, and/or wrongfully applied them for purposes other than for which they were intended. Another demand was made of respondent for the money. Respondent inferred to his clients that the funds had gone to his real estate company as opposed to his law firm. He wrote two personal checks to the clients, totalling $7,700.00, with a request to hold them until he could give them a certified check. Respondent has yet to provide the clients with a certified check.