Opinion ID: 2060466
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whether an Attorney-Client Relationship Existed.

Text: Respondent begins with an overarching argument that he cannot be disciplined because he was not acting as an attorney for Wheaton and Smith in their claims against State Farm. He rests this argument on the absence of a written retainer agreement for the State Farm matter, in contrast to the written retainer agreements for his representation of Wheaton and Smith in other matters, as well as the fact that he was never paid for his representation. Respondent's argument is baseless. It is well established that neither a written agreement nor the payment of fees is necessary to create an attorney-client relationship. In re Lieber, 442 A.2d 153, 156 (D.C. 1982); see also In re Ryan, 670 A.2d 375, 380 (D.C.1996) (ethical responsibilities exist independently of contractual rights and duties). Whether an attorney-client relationship existed is to be determined by the fact finder based on the circumstances of each case. See Lieber, supra, 442 A.2d at 156. The record reflects that respondent contacted State Farm on behalf of Wheaton and Smith, that he threatened to sue State Farm if further payments were not made to them, and that he filed a lawsuit on their behalf. Representatives of State Farm, including its West Virginia counsel, directed all their inquiries toward respondent. Wheaton certainly believed respondent was acting as her lawyer, as reflected in her repeated efforts to contact him about the case and her ultimate letter discharging him. See Lieber, supra, 442 A.2d at 156 (client's perceptions are important consideration in determining whether attorney-client relationship existed). The Board's conclusion that an attorney-client relationship existed is supported by substantial evidence of record.