In the Matter of Steven B. Geller

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court found Steven B. Geller guilty of four counts of attorney misconduct involving excessive fees, mishandling client and third-party funds, misrepresentation, improper limitation of malpractice liability, delayed payment of liens, and retaliation against a former client. The court ordered that he be suspended from practicing law for at least twelve months, effective December 10, 2002, with eligibility to petition for reinstatement.

Holdings

1. The respondent committed attorney misconduct in four counts by charging an unreasonable fee, improperly prospectively limiting malpractice liability, failing to safeguard and promptly distribute client and third-party funds, delaying payment of subrogation claims, converting funds, making misrepresentations, and using former-client information to the client's disadvantage.
2. The respondent was suspended from the practice of law for not fewer than twelve months, effective December 10, 2002, with eligibility to petition for reinstatement after the suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent committed the charged violations of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct.
2. What disciplinary sanction was appropriate for the misconduct found.

Disposition

other