In re Thigpen

Attorney suspended indefinitely for abandoning clients' cases and failing to return their retainers and files as a result of his severe depression.

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These disciplinary matters are before the Court on the Petition for Voluntary Discipline of Respondent Wayne P. Thigpen. The State Bar does not object to the Court accepting Thigpen’s petition. Thigpen admits violating Standards 4 a lawyer shall not engage in professional conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or wilful misrepresentation; 22 b a lawyer shall not withdraw from employment until he has taken reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice to the rights of his client, including giving due notice to the client, allowing time for employment of other counsel, and delivering all papers and property to the client to which the client is entitled; 23 a lawyer who withdraws from employment shall promptly refund any advance fees that have not been earned; and 44 a lawyer shall not without just cause to the detriment of his client in effect wilfully abandon or wilfully disregard a legal matter entrusted to him of Bar Rule 4-102 d.

In S00Y0185, Thigpen was hired by a client to file suit on the client’s behalf to recover a fee owed for real estate appraisal and consulting services, and on February 16, 1998, the client paid Thigpen a $750 retainer. Thigpen falsely informed the client that he would send a demand letter and file the suit. After the client learned that Thigpen had not taken any action on his behalf, he demanded the return of the retainer and his client file. Thigpen returned the retainer after the client filed the instant grievance but still failed to return the client file. In S00Y0240, Thigpen filed pleadings with and entered an appearance before the Superior Court of Richmond County on March 12, 1999 while he was suspended from the practice of law. The suspension began on February 23, 1999 and Thigpen was reinstated on April 30, 1999.

In re Thigpen

Attorney suspended indefinitely for abandoning clients' cases and failing to return their retainers and files as a result of his severe depression.

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