In the Matter of David W. Melnyk

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court publicly reprimanded attorney David W. Melnyk after accepting an Agreement for Discipline by Consent. The court found violations involving diligence, communication, expediting litigation, surrender of client files, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice arising from multiple client representations, including bankruptcy, domestic, and traffic matters.

Holdings

1. The respondent's admitted conduct violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), 3.2, and 8.4(e) of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, as applicable to the separate matters described in the Agreement.
2. The respondent's misconduct warranted a public reprimand.
3. The respondent was required to pay the costs of the investigation and prosecution within thirty days and complete the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Ethics School within one year.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent's admitted conduct violated the cited South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
2. Whether the respondent's misconduct warranted a public reprimand and related conditions of discipline.

Disposition

other