In the Matter of Jeffrey L. Sakas

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary discipline filed by Jeffrey L. Sakas State Bar No. 622250, seeking the imposition of a public reprimand for his neglect of matters involving four clients. Having considered the record and the mitigating factors presented, the Court agrees to accept the petition.

The record shows that Sakas was admitted to the Bar in 1973. In connection with State Disciplinary Board Docket “SDBD” No. 6284, Sakas agreed to represent a client in 2008 in connection with a personal injury claim, but did not take action on behalf of the client and did not properly terminate the representation. In connection with SDBD No. 6217, Sakas was retained in 2008 by a client to seek additional compensation for unpaid special damages in connection with an automobile accident after the client had already received a settlement from the at-fault driver. Sakas filed suit against the client’s insurer, but failed to answer discovery, and the suit was dismissed. In connection with SDBD No. 6254, Sakas was retained by a client in 2007 to pursue a negligence action against two defendants. Sakas filed suit in Clayton County, but was unable to perfect service on the defendants. Sakas subsequently became aware that the defendants were located in DeKalb County, so he dismissed the Clayton County action and re-filed in DeKalb County. He made exhaustive attempts to serve the defendants, but was unable to do so, and the trial court dismissed the action. Finally, in connection with SDBD 6410, Sakas failed to respond to discovery on behalf of a client, and the client was sanctioned $750 by the trial court.