Unauthorized Settlements

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court imposed a three-year suspension of an attorney, retroactive to an interim suspension previously imposed

In the DB-7 letter, Petitioner alleged that Respondent engaged in misconduct in thirteen client matters by having: neglected ten matters; settled seven civil cases without obtaining the consent of his clients; failed to communicate with his clients concerning developments in the clients' civil cases in thirteen matters; and made misrepresentations in five matters.

By letter dated January 8, 2020, Respondent submitted a counseled response to the DB-7 letter.

Respondent has agreed to enter into a joint recommendation for consent discipline that encompasses the allegations of misconduct raised in the open complaint file.

The matters are set forth in the joint petition and involve, among other things, entering into settlement agreements for significant dollar amounts with the knowledge or consent of the insurance company that had retained him. (Mike Frisch)