In the Matter of David F. Stoddard

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court accepts an Agreement for Discipline by Consent and imposes a nine-month definite suspension on attorney David F. Stoddard. The court finds misconduct involving inadequate diligence, communication, competence, supervision of nonlawyer staff, and handling of multiple client matters, and orders payment of costs, completion of ethics training, and reimbursement for qualifying client-protection claims.

Holdings

1. The court accepted the Agreement for Discipline by Consent after Respondent admitted misconduct and consented to discipline.
2. A nine-month definite suspension from the practice of law was appropriate.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Agreement for Discipline by Consent should be accepted.
2. What sanction was appropriate for Respondent's admitted violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, given the misconduct and his disciplinary history.

Disposition

other