In the Matter of Carolyn W. Rader

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court approved a conditional agreement imposing a public reprimand on attorney Carolyn W. Rader for failing to reasonably communicate with a client and the client's family during a post-conviction proceeding. The court's order concerned a matter involving delayed consideration of DNA evidence supporting the client's request for a new trial; separate opinions dissented as to the sufficiency of the sanction.

Holdings

1. Respondent violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rule 1.4(a)(2) by failing to reasonably consult with her client about the means by which the client's objectives were to be accomplished.
2. The Court approved the conditional agreement, imposed a public reprimand for Respondent's professional misconduct, and assessed the costs of the proceeding against Respondent.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Respondent violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rule 1.4(a)(2) by failing to reasonably consult with her client about the means of accomplishing the client's objectives.
2. Whether the conditional agreement proposing a public reprimand should be approved.

Disposition

approved