Traveling Man

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has suspended an attorney for a year and a day for his “incompetence and neglect” in handling five client matters

From approximately July 2024 through November 2024, Respondent again traveled internationally to London and Romania. During this time, Respondent still was sending out solicitation letters. Respondent represents that his trip was longer than anticipated due to an injury incurred by his current wife.

Respondent’s international travel coincides with times at which his clients were unable to contact him.

As a sole practitioner, Respondent did not have another attorney working with him who could offer coverage in the event that Respondent was unavailable and client interests needed to be addressed. Respondent also did not have an affiliation or agreement with another sole practitioner or law firm such that another attorney could step in for him when necessary.

From June 2022 to the present, Respondent has had no law firm staff, except that, at certain times, his current wife helped him. Respondent’s mother periodically visited his law office to check the mail and scan and electronically send it to Respondent. Respondent expected that he could run his American law practice while in London and Romania, as many court hearings now are conducted by Zoom or other electronic meeting service, and as he adhered to Eastern Standard Time for his work and calls.

Respondent did not inform his clients that he was not physically present in the United States.

At best, Respondent’s decisions regarding law practice management exhibited poor judgment.

Respondent consented to the sanction. (Mike Frisch)