Nine Complaints

The South Carolina Supreme Court has sanctioned an attorney for misconduct in multiple matters

Respondent was admitted to practice in 1989, and he has no prior disciplinary history. This Agreement involves nine complaints filed between September 27, 2021, and January 5, 2024.

Sanction

Based on the number and nature of the complaints against Respondent, we find a definite suspension of six months is an appropriate sanction for Respondent’s misconduct. Accordingly, we accept the Agreement and suspend Respondent from the practice of law for a period of six months, retroactive to the date of his interim suspension on November 15, 2023.

As a condition of discipline, Respondent must complete the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Ethics School within one year. In the event Respondent is reinstated to the practice of law, he shall, within thirty days of reinstatement, retain a law office management advisor approved by the Commission for a period of two years. Respondent shall meet with the advisor to conduct a thorough review of Lawyer’s law office management practices. The advisor shall submit a report to the Commission containing an analysis of and recommendations concerning Respondent’s law office management practices within ninety days of being retained. For the remainder of the two-year period, Respondent shall meet with the advisor on at least a quarterly basis, and the advisor shall submit quarterly reports to the Commission. Respondent is responsible for payment of the advisor and for timely submission of the advisor’s reports to the Commission.

Within thirty days of the date of this opinion, Respondent shall: (1) pay the costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of this matter by ODC and the Commission; and (2) enter into a restitution agreement with the Commission for the payment of restitution of unearned fees to Client B, Client D, Clients E, Client F, Client G, Client H, and Client I. Prior to seeking reinstatement, Respondent must reimburse the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection for all claims paid on Respondent’s behalf.

(Mike Frisch)