It’s a story we’ve encountered before; in this case the taxpayers of Lucas County (Ohio) got to pick up the lawyer’s bill for representing poor clients. She’ll be suspended for a year. [Legal Profession Blog via ABA Journal] Carolyn Elefant at MyShingle isn’t buying one suggestion that the episode should be blamed on inadequate training in law practice management.
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I worked for an ad agency in the ’80s that often double-booked my time. They charged more than one client for my time, though I could only work on one project. I even saw they quadruple-charge for my time. They were very, very slimy and eventually went broke. But they have moved on to new positions where they probably continue the “theft,” because that’s what it was.
She’s suspended for 2 years, but, “with the second year stayed if she completes a one-year probationary period.” So, even under the Ohio Bar’s ethical rules, she still gets to bill 2 for 1 on her punishment time.
A lawyer shows up at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter, after checking his book, says “Congratulations! You’re the oldest person ever to arrive here!”
The lawyer looks confused. “Oldest? I’m only thirty-four!”
“St. Peter checks his book again. “Oh, sorry.” he says, “I was looking at billable hours…”