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Jo Nell Walker (WSBA No. 24526, admitted 1994), formerly of Vancouver, Washington, was suspended for six months, effective March 18, 2009, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court following a default hearing. This discipline is based on conduct involving failure to communicate, failure to perform work, and failure to return the client’s fees promptly upon termination.
On March 22, 2007, Mr. P paid Ms. Walker $500 to represent him in an issue related to his parenting plan. Ms. Walker did very little work, if any, on Mr. P’s case. Mr. P called Ms. Walker repeatedly, dropped by her office, and left her notes. Ms. Walker did not return any of his calls or messages. Even when Ms. Walker was present during such client visits, she refused to see him because she said she was “too busy.” On June 8, 2007, Mr. P fired Ms. Walker. Ms. Walker failed to refund any of Mr. P’s fees for over eight months.
Ms. Walker’s conduct violated RPC 1.3, requiring a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; RPC 1.4, requiring a lawyer to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; RPC 1.5, prohibiting a lawyer from making an agreement for, charging, or collecting unreasonable fees; and RPC 1.16(d), requiring a lawyer, upon termination of representation, to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client’s interests, such as refunding any advance payment of fee or expense that has not been earned or incurred.
Erica Temple and Francesca D’Angelo represented the Bar Association. Jo Nell Walker did not appear either in person or through counsel. Lewis W. Card was the hearing officer. |