Opinion ID: 1612977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Counts III & IVThe Benson Matter

Text: In March 2002, Jerone Benson hired respondent to represent him in post-conviction relief proceedings following his state criminal conviction. [2] Mr. Benson paid respondent $2,500 in advanced fixed fees for the representation. Thereafter, respondent failed to file any documents or pleadings with either the district court or court of appeal. She also failed to adequately communicate with her client and refund the unearned fees. During her May 18, 2004 sworn statement, respondent admitted to neglecting Mr. Benson's legal matter and agreed to refund the unearned fees, with legal interest, within four weeks. Nevertheless, she did not refund the fees and interest, totaling $3,331.15, until June 2007. The ODC alleged that respondent's conduct violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f)(5), 1.16(d), 8.1(c), 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.