| Case Digest |
Respondent failed to appear for a properly noticed private reprimand for his neglect, failure to communicate, failure to expedite proceedings, failure to provide a fee statement, and conduct constituting misrepresentation and conduct which was prejudicial to the administration of justice in connection with his representation of his client in a civil case. The client’s case resulted in a judgment of non pros. because Respondent failed to comply with discovery requests, despite numerous court orders directing that he do so. Respondent requested that the original scheduled private reprimand be rescheduled. He then failed to appear and failed to provide good cause for his failure to appear at the rescheduled PR.
At the disciplinary hearing, Respondent testified that he was disabled and depressed. There was no corroborating testimony from a medical doctor or any other witness. The hearing committee left the record open so that Respondent could submit a detailed doctor’s report. Respondent never submitted a report. Respondent was on CLE inactive status prior to the hearing. Respondent on inactive status by Order dated July 16, 1996, for his failure to meet CLE requirements. Respondent had a history of discipline, including an informal admonition. The hearing committee recommended that Respondent be suspended for 13 months. The Disciplinary Board recommended a suspension for a period of one year and one day.
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