Opinion ID: 1828316
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count IIJackson/Davis Matters

Text: On February 13, 1998, Bernadette Jackson and her children, 21-year old Patrick Davis and 12-year old Monica Davis, were involved in an automobile accident. Six days later, they retained respondent to represent their interests and pursue their personal injury claims. Initially, respondent communicated with his clients frequently and assured them he was protecting their interests. However, after several months, respondent began to communicate with his clients less often. Ultimately, respondent failed to file suit on behalf of his clients and their claims prescribed. [4] Approximately one month after the case had prescribed, Ms. Jackson and Mr. Davis met with respondent. Mr. Davis later testified that, at that meeting, respondent apologized and everything, saying that he was sorry that he didn't file and all this and [then] he said it would come out of his pocket for like whatever it was that he was supposed to do ... At this point, it is unclear whether respondent orally advised his clients to seek outside counsel to discuss their potential malpractice claims against him, but it is undisputed that respondent did not subsequently advise his clients in writing to do so. In any event, respondent's clients, on their own, consulted Harold Bartholomew, Ms. Jackson's friend and fellow board member on New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC). [5] Eventually, respondent settled his professional liability directly with Mr. Davis with the consent of Mr. Bartholomew. [6] In May 1999, Ms. Jackson filed a disciplinary complaint with the ODC on her own behalf and that of her minor daughter. Mr. Davis instituted a separate complaint with the ODC.