Opinion ID: 2654071
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Referral to Bar Counsel

Text: The Panel determined this case should be referred to bar counsel to investigate whether disciplinary proceedings are appropriate. The issues identified by the Panel that warrant investigation by bar counsel include: 1. Whether the “non-refundable” and “already earned” language in the fee agreement signed by the parties in this case should result in any disciplinary proceedings even though the Panel concluded that this fee was ultimately reasonable under Alaska Bar Rule 35(a). Such language misleads clients about their ability to fire an attorney and obtain a refund so they can seek other represention. Furthermore, Priddle testified that he continues to believe that such a fee is earned when paid, and that he does not place the retainer in a trust account. 2. Whether an attorney has any ethical obligations when a retainer is paid in cash in a case where the lawyer might likely conclude that the money was obtained from illegal sources or might be evidence in the case in which the attorney is retained. Dated June 2, 2011 /s/ Richard H. Foley, Jr. Dated June 15, 2011 /s/ Valerie Brown Dated June 8, 2011 /s/ Mary Kay Arthaud Appendix A Appendix - 12 of 12 6866 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT AT ANCHORAGE KALINDI McALPINE, ) ) Plaintiff, ) Case No. 3AN-12-04798 CI ) v. ) ) STEVEN PRIDDLE, ) ) Defendant. )