March 6, 2008 ROBERT GORDON PADRICK [#103971], 56, of Palo Alto was suspended for two years, stayed, placed on three years of probation and was ordered to take the MPRE within one year. The order took effect March 6, 2008. Padrick successfully completed the State Bar’s Alternative Discipline Program and has been enrolled in the Lawyer Assistance Program since 2004. Both programs deal with lawyers with substance abuse or mental health issues.He stipulated to seven counts of misconduct in three personal injury cases, including failing to perform legal services competently, communicate with clients or account for client funds.Padrick settled two of the matters but did not distribute the funds for between three and seven years. In the third matter, he received a partial settlement for his client but did not give her an accounting of the funds. In all three matters he did not respond to his clients’ numerous inquiries about their cases.In mitigation, Padrick had no prior discipline record, he made full restitution, cooperated with the bar’s investigation and suffered from a “rare fungal bronchitis†that interfered with his ability to practice. He remains in compliance with the Lawyer Assistance Program. |