Kentucky Bar Ass'n v. Klapheke

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld two concurrent one-year suspensions imposed on William T. Klapheke for professional misconduct arising from his representation of two estates while suspended from practicing law. The misconduct included failing to notify clients of his suspension, continuing to perform legal services, failing to complete estate matters, and failing to respond to disciplinary authorities; costs of $732.85 were also assessed.

Holdings

1. Klapheke was guilty of the charged violations arising from his representation of the Lockhart and Boles estates, including failing to notify clients of his suspension, failing to communicate, failing to comply with tribunal requirements, failing to respond to disciplinary authorities, and engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.
2. Klapheke was suspended from the practice of law for one year for each disciplinary matter, with the suspensions concurrent with each other and commencing after completion of his existing three-year suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Klapheke committed the charged violations of the Kentucky Supreme Court Rules in the two disciplinary matters.
2. What discipline should be imposed for the violations in light of Klapheke's existing three-year suspension.

Disposition

other