Long Beach, CA 90802-8812
1 February 2014 | Active (11 years, 3 months ago) |
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2 January 2014 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (11 years, 4 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 12-O-14765 |
7 December 1988 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (36 years, 5 months ago) |
January 2, 2014 ALEXIS GALINDO [#136643], 52, of Long Beach was suspended for one year, stayed, placed on two years’ probation with a 30-day actual suspension and ordered to take the MPRE. The order took effect Jan. 2, 2014. Galindo stipulated to misconduct in one client matter: failing to perform legal services with competence, promptly notify a client of receipt of client funds, respond to reasonable status inquiries of a client or promptly pay funds to which his client was entitled.In 2009, Galindo was hired to represent a couple in a personal injury action arising from a car accident. In May 2010, the couple went to Galindo’s office to discuss the outcome of an arbitration involving the accident but Galindo was not there and did not call them back or return a number of other phone messages they left for him. The arbitration did not resolve the couple’s personal injury claim.In February 2011, the couple’s insurer mailed Galindo a check for the clients’ medical expenses, but Galindo did not tell them about it and did not use the money to pay for their medical costs. As a result, the bill was sent to collections. On Aug. 11, 2011, the statute of limitations expired to file a personal injury lawsuit on the couple’s behalf. Galindo did not inform the couple of the deadline. In June 2012, he settled their medical liens and gave the remaining money to the couple’s new attorney.In mitigation, Galindo had no prior discipline, was dealing with family problems at the time of his misconduct and presented character witnesses who attested to his good character. He also entered into a pre-trial stipulation with the State Bar, saving time and money. |