Newhall, CA 91321-3340
27 August 1998 | Discipline, probation; no actual susp. 95-O-11263 (26 years, 8 months ago) |
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18 December 1975 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (49 years, 4 months ago) |
August 27, 1998 RONALD STEVEN MILLER [#66870], 50, of Encino was suspended for 30 days, stayed, placed on two years of probation, and was ordered to take the MPRE. The order took effect Aug. 27, 1998. Miller stipulated to five counts of misconduct in three client matters.In the first, he failed to perform legal services competently or promptly pay client funds when he did not negotiate a discount of a medical lien or pay the lien for about two years. He also did not provide to his client an accounting of the funds received and disbursed.Miller did not communicate with his client in a second case. In that matter, he filed suit against his client's employer, based on the employer having improperly allowed the client's wife to remove funds from his savings and retirement accounts.Miller told the client the case was not viable because the man had suffered no money damages, and in fact, had been credited with the funds that were improperly given to his wife.As a result, Miller did not appear at a scheduled status conference and the case was dismissed. He did not tell his client about the dismissal because he thought the client understood the lawsuit was to be abandoned.In a third matter, Miller settled a personal injury case for $11,500. He had associated with another attorney who was supposed to negotiate a reduction of a doctor bill and did not do so. That doctor was never paid. Miller did not provide an accounting until the client complained to the State Bar. |