Opinion ID: 2753489
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the story of the straight-forward

Text: MADE COMPLICATED In this attorney disciplinary action, the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland (“Petitioner” or “the Commission”), acting through Bar Counsel, filed a Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action (“PDRA”) against Gayton Joseph Thomas, Jr., Esquire (“Respondent” or “Thomas”), charging him with violations of the Maryland Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct (“MLRPC”) arising out of his representation of Mohamed Abou Sarieh Hamed (“Hamed”). Respondent was charged with violating MLRPC 1.1 (Competence),1 1.3 (Diligence),2 1.4 (Communication),3 8.1(b) (Bar 1 Rule 1.1 provides: A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. Unless otherwise provided, all Rule references in this opinion are to the Maryland Lawyer’s Rules of Professional Conduct (“MLRPC”). 2 Rule 1.3 provides: A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. 3 Rule 1.4 provides: (a) A lawyer shall: (1) promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client’s informed consent, as defined in Rule 1.0(f), is required by these Rules; (Continued. . .) Admission and Disciplinary Matters),4 and 8.4(c) and (d) (Misconduct).5 The Commission served Thomas on 6 December 2013 with a copy of the PDRA, Writ of (. . . continued) (2) keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter; (3) promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and (4) consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer’s conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance not permitted by the Maryland Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. (b) A lawyer shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation. 4 Rule 8.1(b) provides: An applicant for admission or reinstatement to the bar, or a lawyer in connection with a bar admission application or in connection with a disciplinary matter, shall not: