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Mark A. Patlan (WSBA No. 24003, admitted 1994), of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was suspended for six months, following a stipulation to discipline, by order of the Supreme Court, effective January 22, 2003. This discipline is based on his lack of diligence involving two clients in 2000.
Matter 1: In August 1999, Mr. Patlan agreed to represent a client in a lawsuit filed against him. In July 2000, Mr. Patlan filed the joint statement of arbitrability without advising his client the matter would be arbitrated. Mr. Patlan did not notify his client of the arbitration date, file a pre-hearing statement or appear at the arbitration. The arbitrator attempted to contact Mr. Patlan, but Mr. Patlan’s telephone was not working. The arbitrator awarded the plaintiff $35,000 plus attorneys fees.
Matter 2: Mr. Patlan agreed to represent clients in a lawsuit filed against them in December 1999. Mr. Patlan filed a notice of appearance, and answer and a counterclaim. After June 2000, the clients heard nothing from Mr. Patlan. In July 2000, Mr. Patlan’s former law partner told the clients Mr. Patlan was gone and she agreed to represent them.
Mr. Patlan’s conduct violated RPCs 1.3, requiring lawyers to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing clients; and 1.4, requiring lawyers to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of matters and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information.
Sachia Stonefeld Powell represented the Bar Association. Mr. Patlan represented himself.
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