Keen v. Kentucky Bar Ass'n

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court approved a negotiated sanction publicly reprimanding attorney Charles David Keen for professional-conduct violations arising from two family-law representations. The conditions included completion of an ethics program, repayment of unearned fees, payment of costs, and possible conversion of the reprimand to a 30-day suspension upon noncompliance or further disciplinary charges within one year.

Holdings

1. The Court approved the negotiated sanction of a public reprimand with conditions because Keen admitted the charged violations and the sanction was adequate.
2. Keen was found guilty of violating the Rules of Professional Conduct charged in File Nos. 19167 and 19659, including failures of diligence, communication, and proper handling of client advance fees, as well as failure to respond to the disciplinary authority.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Kentucky should approve Keen's negotiated sanction under SCR 3.480(2).
2. Whether Keen should receive a public reprimand and related conditions for the admitted violations of the Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct.

Disposition

approved