Opinion ID: 1800005
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Conversion of the Austins' funds

Text: The bar association alleges that respondent violated DR 1-102(A), which generally states that an attorney shall not engage in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude or conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit; DR 9-102(A)(2), which states that an attorney must preserve the identity of funds he receives on behalf of a client by depositing them in a separate, identifiable clients' account; and DR 9-102(B)(1), (3), and (4), which states that an attorney who comes into possession of funds belonging to a client must promptly notify the client of receipt of the funds, maintain complete records and render appropriate accounts to his client, and promptly pay the funds to the client when requested to do so. The evidence shows that in July of 1985 respondent received a settlement check of $3,365 on behalf of her clients Mr. and Mrs. Austin. The check was made payable to the Austins and to respondent. At the investigatory hearing held before the Committee on March 7, 1986, respondent admitted that she forged the Austin's endorsements on the check and used the money for personal expenses. She further stated that upon receiving a request from the Austins to disburse the proceeds to them, she told them that she would get back to them. She subsequently avoided communication with the Austins, who were forced to hire another attorney to help them recover their money. Respondent testified that she made restitution to the Austins in October of 1985, after they had filed a complaint with the Committee. We find that the evidence is clear and convincing that respondent violated: DR 1-102(A) in that she converted client funds to her own use; and 9-102(B)(4) in that she did not promptly dispurse the Austin's funds to them when requested to do so.