| Case Digest |
Respondent mishandled three client matters. In the Chestnut matter, Respondent failed to communicate with his client, file a timely EEOC lawsuit in federal court, and refund his unearned fee; in the Richardson matter, Respondent failed to communicate with his client, file a timely appeal of his client’s criminal conviction, comply with court orders, and refund his unearned fee; in the Willis matter, Respondent failed to protect a doctor’s lien and hold his client’s funds in escrow. Respondent engaged in misrepresentations in all three matters. As a result of Respondent’s misconduct, Chestnut lost his right to pursue his employment discrimination matter in federal court, Richardson lost his right to file a direct appeal, and Dr. Willis lost money that his patient owed him for medical services.
The Disciplinary Board found aggravating factors, including Respondent’s evasive and incredible testimony; lack of recognition of his wrongdoing and remorse for his misconduct; failure to refund money owed to his clients; and multiple lawsuits, which portrayed Respondent as unable to effectively manage his personal and professional matters. In addition, at the time of the Disciplinary Board’s decision, Respondent was serving a five-year suspension for conversion and neglect. |
