In re Schrems

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court approved a conditional agreement imposing a public reprimand on an attorney for failing to communicate with a criminal-defense client, keep the client informed, and appear at scheduled court proceedings. The Court assessed costs against the respondent and discharged the hearing officer.

Holdings

1. The respondent violated Professional Conduct Rule 1.3 by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, Rule 1.4(a) by failing to keep the client reasonably informed and respond promptly to reasonable requests for information, and Rule 1.4(b) by failing to explain the matter sufficiently to permit informed decisions.
2. The court approved the parties' agreed discipline and ordered a public reprimand, with costs assessed against the respondent.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 1.3, 1.4(a), and 1.4(b) by failing to act diligently, keep the client informed, and explain the matter sufficiently for informed decision-making.
2. Whether the Indiana Supreme Court should approve the parties' conditional agreement imposing a public reprimand.

Disposition

approved