Kentucky Bar Ass'n v. Tai-Wing Wong

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court accepted findings that Tai-Wing Wong violated professional conduct rules by failing to diligently represent clients in a will contest and by failing to communicate adequately with them. The court imposed a 181-day suspension, assessed costs, and required notice to clients and courts with pending matters.

Holdings

1. Wong violated SCR 3.130-1.3 by failing to proceed diligently as counsel, including by failing to answer a counterclaim, respond to discovery, attend a deposition, appear for motions, and prosecute the will contest.
2. Wong violated SCR 3.130-1.4(a) by failing to adequately communicate with her clients regarding the status and progress of the lawsuit.
3. The court accepted the Board of Governors' recommendation and suspended Wong from the practice of law for 181 days, assessed $2,574.41 in costs, and imposed client and court notification requirements.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Wong violated SCR 3.130-1.3 by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her clients.
2. Whether Wong violated SCR 3.130-1.4(a) by failing to adequately communicate with her clients about the status and progress of the litigation.
3. Whether a 181-day suspension and assessment of proceeding costs were appropriate sanctions for the violations.

Disposition

approved