In the Matter of Mary J. Workman

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the petition for voluntary discipline filed by Respondent Mary J. Workman State Bar No. 776625 pursuant to Bar Rule 4-227 b 2 before the issuance of a formal complaint. By this petition, Workman seeks to resolve four pending grievances and agrees to accept a reprimand for her multiple admitted violations of Rule 1.4 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, see Bar Rule 4-102 d. While the maximum sanction for such a violation is a public reprimand, we agree to accept the Respondent’s request that this matter be resolved with a Review Panel Reprimand with conditions, as is recommended by the State Bar.

In her petition, Workman, who has been a member of the State Bar since 1979, admits that in 2011 four clients retained her to represent them in their separate legal matters, paying her retainers ranging from $350 to $3,000. Workman admits that she did not adequately communicate with these four clients, causing at least three of them to have to hire new counsel to handle their matters. Workman claims that none of these clients’ legal rights was ultimately harmed by her actions, that she has apologized to each client, and that she has begun repaying each client a small amount monthly as reimbursement for the fees paid to her. She notes, however, that one client has obtained a judgment against her and has refused to accept her monthly payments.