Probate Lawyer Behaving Badly

A Kerrville, Texas law recently received a 27-month suspension from the practice of law (three months actively served with the balance being probated) for engaging in conduct unbecoming of a probate lawyer.

Here is a description of the lawyer's conduct from Disciplinary Actions, Tex. B.J. 470, 471 (2006):

[The lawyer ] failed to respond to telephone calls, failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the probate case, and failed to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.  [He] neglected the representation by failing to pursue the probate matter in a timely manner, failed to protect the decedent’s estate, and failed to provide a requested accounting of funds he received on behalf of the estate. Upon termination of the representation, [he] failed to surrender papers, funds, and property to which the client was entitled.