Opinion ID: 2509874
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Failure to timely refund unearned fees

Text: Certificates of non-compliance were issued against Respondent based on his failure to comply with orders of the South Carolina Bar Resolution of Fee Disputes Board (the Board), which required him to refund fees totaling more than $16,900 to former clients in Matters VIII, XI, XII, XVI, XVIII, XIX, and XXII. Respondent has since paid the full amount of the award in each of those matters. In Matter VI, Respondent was paid a $2,500 retainer fee to represent a client regarding pending criminal charges. Subsequently, Respondent was relieved as counsel and voluntarily refunded $1,000 to the client. The client thereafter filed a claim with the Board, and Respondent was ordered to refund the remaining $1,500 to the client. Approximately twelve months later, the Board issued a certificate of non-compliance against Respondent based on his failure to comply with the Board's order. Respondent paid the full amount of the award prior to his hearing before the Panel. In Matter VII, Respondent was paid a $1,500 retainer fee to represent a client in a domestic matter. Subsequently, the client submitted a claim with the Board and was awarded a refund of the entire fee. Additionally, in Matters XXI and XXIII, Respondent failed to refund unearned fees to former clients, even though no refund claims were filed with the Board. It is unclear whether Respondent has refunded the unearned fees in these three matters.