Kentucky Bar Association v. Bock

Summary

The Supreme Court of Kentucky found Valerie Lynn Bock guilty of five counts of professional misconduct arising from her failure to file a client's divorce petition, communicate with the client, refund an unearned fee, and respond to disciplinary inquiries. The court suspended her license for thirty days, ordered restitution of $921.00 to the client, and assessed $207.59 in costs.

Holdings

1. Bock violated SCR 3.130-1.3 by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing Wiseman.
2. Bock violated SCR 3.130-1.4(a) by failing to keep Wiseman reasonably informed about the status of his matter.
3. Bock violated SCR 3.130-1.16(d) by failing to take reasonably practicable steps to protect her client's interests, including refunding the unearned advance fee.
4. Bock violated SCR 3.130-8.3(c) by engaging in conduct involving dishonesty.
5. Bock violated SCR 3.130-8.1(b) by failing to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority.
6. Bock's license to practice law in Kentucky was suspended for thirty days, she was ordered to pay $921 in restitution to Wiseman, and she was ordered to pay $207.59 in costs.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Bock violated Kentucky professional-conduct rules by failing to file her client's divorce petition and failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness.
2. Whether Bock violated the professional-conduct rules by failing to keep her client informed and by failing to protect the client's interests and refund an unearned fee after termination of the representation.
3. Whether Bock violated the professional-conduct rules through dishonest conduct and by failing to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority.
4. What discipline and restitution should be imposed for the five violations.

Disposition

other