In or about March 2002, the respondent was retained by a client to represent him in a claim arising out of an automobile accident on March 1, 2002. The client was a passenger and the claim was against the owner/driver of the vehicle.
During July and August of 2002 and while the client’s claim was still pending, the respondent provided financial assistance to the client through a series of interest free loans totaling $1800. The personal injury claim settled on August 24, 2002 for $8000. The loans from the respondent were repaid from the proceeds.
The respondent’s conduct in providing financial assistance to a client in connection with pending litigation was in violation of Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.8(e). In aggravation, the respondent has two prior admonitions for neglect of a worker’s compensation claim and unauthorized communication with an opposing party who was represented by counsel.
This matter came before the Board on a stipulation of facts and disciplinary violations and a joint recommendation for discipline by public reprimand. The Board accepted the parties’ recommendation and imposed a public reprimand.
