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Robert G. Maslan (WSBA No.1213, admitted 1966), of Seattle, was suspended for six months, effective February 5, 2001,by order of the Court following a default hearing. This discipline is based on his failure to diligently represent and communicate with a client.
In early 1993, the Pierce County Superior Court admitted Mr. H’s will to probate and appointed MH as personal representative (PR) of the estate. On July 26, 1993, counsel for the estate appointed Mr. Maslan as co-counsel and indicated that counsel was beginning a sabbatical effective August 1, 1993. Mr. Maslan and the client did not have an agreement regarding Mr. Maslan’s fees. At the time Mr. Maslan took over this estate, several creditor claims were pending. In June 1993, the PR sold two parcels of real estate. The purchaser defaulted on the payments for one parcel. The purchaser and the PR were not able to resolve the default, so Mr. Maslan took steps to initiate foreclosure. Mr. Maslan twice directed the escrow agent to send him fees for his role in the forfeiture. Mr. Maslan did no further work on the estate until July 1995, when he filed a notice of withdrawal. Mr. Maslan indicated that until he was paid for his work, he had no obligation to complete the estate or communicate with the client. Mr. Maslan’s conduct did not harm any creditors, the client or the beneficiary. Mr. Maslan also failed to respond to requests for information from disciplinary counsel.
Mr. Maslan’s conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to diligently represent their clients; 1.4(a), requiring lawyers to keep client’s reasonably informed of the status of their matters; and RLD 2.8(a), requiring lawyers to promptly comply with requests for information from disciplinary counsel.
William J. Rush represented the Bar Association. Mr. Maslan represented himself. The hearing officer was Preston L. Johnson.
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