Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Ronald F. Walker

Summary

The Iowa Supreme Court reviewed a Grievance Commission report concerning Ronald F. Walker’s neglect of three estate matters and another client matter, misrepresentations, and failure to respond to disciplinary inquiries. The court found violations of multiple Iowa disciplinary rules and suspended Walker’s license indefinitely, with no possibility of reinstatement for six months, subject to specified reinstatement conditions. Costs were taxed against Walker.

Holdings

1. Walker violated DR 1-102(A)(1), DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 1-102(A)(5), DR 1-102(A)(6), DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)(1), DR 7-101(A)(2), and DR 7-101(A)(3) through neglect of estate and client matters, misrepresentations to the court and a client, and failure to carry out client objectives and respond to the Board.
2. Walker’s license to practice law must be suspended indefinitely, with no possibility of reinstatement for six months, because his repeated neglect was compounded by misrepresentations, failure to respond to the Board, and harm to clients.
3. Before reinstatement, Walker must establish that he did not practice law during the suspension and complied with Iowa Court Rule 35.13, provide a licensed-health-care-professional evaluation verifying his fitness to practice law after prior approval of the evaluator and evaluation by the Board, and comply with Iowa Court Rule 35.21.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the stipulated facts established violations of Iowa's professional-conduct rules.
2. What discipline was appropriate for Walker's repeated neglect, misrepresentations, failure to carry out client matters, and failure to respond to the Attorney Disciplinary Board.
3. What conditions should govern any reinstatement of Walker's law license.

Disposition

other