Kentucky Bar Association v. Justin Ross Morgan

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court adopted the Kentucky Bar Association Board of Governors' recommendation finding Justin Ross Morgan guilty of multiple Rules of Professional Conduct violations arising from his failure to represent a client, communicate, return property and unearned fees, and respond to disciplinary authorities. The Court imposed a one-year suspension consecutive to any current suspension, ordered Morgan to repay $8,500 to the client, and assessed $421.87 in costs.

Holdings

1. Morgan was guilty of violating SCR 3.130-1.3, 1.4(a)(4), 1.5(a), 1.16(d), and 8.1(b).
2. The Supreme Court adopted the Board's recommendation and suspended Morgan from practicing law for one year, consecutive to any current suspension, ordered him to repay Justice $8,500, and ordered him to pay $421.87 in costs.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Morgan violated the Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct by failing to act diligently, failing to communicate with his client, charging an unreasonable fee, retaining client property and an unearned fee, and failing to respond to a disciplinary authority.
2. Whether the Board of Governors' recommended discipline—a one-year suspension consecutive to any current suspension, $8,500 in restitution, and costs—should be adopted.

Disposition

approved