In the Matter of Kimberly L. Copeland

The Supreme Court accepted an attorney's petition for voluntary discipline and imposed a 6-month suspension with conditions for reinstatement.

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This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary discipline filed by Respondent Kimberly L. Copeland State Bar No. 186783, pursuant to Bar Rule 4 227 b 2, in which she seeks to resolve two grievances, both of which relate to her former representation of the same client, arising from two traffic accidents involving the client that took place in February and March of 2009. In her petition, Copeland admits that as to the February accident, she violated Rules 1.3 and 1.16 d of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, and as to the March accident, she violated Rules 1.15 I, 1.15 II, and 5. 3 b. See Bar Rule 4 102 d. The maximum sanction for a violation of Rule 1.16 is a public reprimand, and the maximum sanction for a violation of Rules 1.3, 1.15 I, 1.15 II, and 5.3 is disbarment. Copeland requests that the Court impose a suspension of six months on her ability to practice law, with conditions for reinstatement.

In her petition, Copeland, who has been a member of the State Bar since 1996, admits that with regard to the February 2009 accident, she entered into a contingency fee agreement with her client but informed him that she anticipated difficulties in proving damages. Copeland sent a demand letter to the insurance company for the other party to the accident, but the insurer declined to offer any settlement amount. Copeland then declined to file a lawsuit on her client’s behalf but neglected to communicate this decision to her client, who believed that Copeland would continue to work on the matter. The client did not find out about Copeland’s decision not to file suit until after the statute of limitations on his claim had run.

In the Matter of Kimberly L. Copeland

The Supreme Court accepted an attorney's petition for voluntary discipline and imposed a 6-month suspension with conditions for reinstatement.

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