In re Ruleman

An attorney who failed to return his clients' calls, failed to pursue their cases, did not return their files and did not withdraw from representation was disbarred.

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This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Report and Recommendations of the special master with respect to three disciplinary actions filed by the State Bar against Respondent Gerald Phillip Ruleman. In each of the matters, the State Bar filed Formal Complaints with which it personally served Ruleman. Ruleman failed to answer any of the complaints, however, and the facts alleged and violations charged in the complaints thus are deemed admitted, see Bar Rule 4-212. The special master recommends in each of his reports that Ruleman be disbarred. This Court suspended Ruleman’s license to practice law on February 17, 2004, and it remains suspended. In the first matter, Ruleman agreed to represent a client in a personal injury case in July 2001 and she gave him copies of her medical records and bills. When the client and her daughter were thereafter unable to contact Ruleman and he did not return any of their messages, she terminated his services via certified mail, for which she received the return receipt. Ruleman never returned any of her documents, however, nor did he withdraw from her case. Only days after she filed a grievance with the State Bar, Ruleman filed a complaint on the client’s behalf. Ruleman did not respond to the Notice of Investigation in accordance with Bar Rules. Through his conduct, Ruleman violated Rules 1.3; 1.4; and 9.3 of Bar Rule 4-102 d.

In the second matter, a client hired Ruleman in August 2002 to represent him in a personal injury case. Ruleman failed to return his client’s phone calls or correspond with him regarding the case and the client discovered that Ruleman’s telephone service had been disconnected. Ruleman did not return the client’s file or withdraw from the representation, and did not respond to the Notice of Investigation. In this case, Ruleman violated Rules 1.3; 1.4; 1.16 a; 1.16 d; and 9.3 of Bar Rule 4-102 d.

In re Ruleman

An attorney who failed to return his clients' calls, failed to pursue their cases, did not return their files and did not withdraw from representation was disbarred.

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