Opinion ID: 1333456
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Rosa Lee Jackson Matter

Text: Ms. Jackson was a client of respondent whom he persuaded to sign as surety on the appeal bond of another client, Victor T. Jeffers. Although she had never before been involved in a bonding transaction, respondent convinced her to put up her home in a no-risk business venture which would earn her $5,000.00. In inducing Ms. Jackson to take part in the bonding transaction, respondent portrayed Jeffers as a family and business man who deserved a chance to prove his innocence. In fact, Jeffers was a convicted drug smuggler who had a prior bond revoked. Respondent violated his professional duty to Ms. Jackson by encouraging her to become a surety without disclosing the potential risks involved. He did not adequately warn her of the substantial risk to her home. She was not informed that Jeffers was a client of respondent whose interests might conflict with hers. Ms. Jackson was also unaware of the publicity surrounding the Jeffers' case and the likelihood of additional adverse publicity following his release. She eventually realized her perilous position and engaged another attorney to cancel her bond. On January 18, 1978, the entire bond for Victor T. Jeffers, guaranteed by others, was ordered forfeited by a U.S. District Judge. Respondent's conduct toward Ms. Jackson reveals an appalling lack of consideration for his client's welfare. While concealing relevant information, he encouraged Ms. Jackson to risk her home in order to benefit himself and another client.