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SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA NO. 99-B-2779 IN RE: LEONARD J. CLINE

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS PER CURIAM*
This attorney disciplinary proceeding arises from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") against respondent, Leonard J. Cline, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana.

UNDERLYING FACTS In May 1991, Patsy Allday retained Morris Bart and Associates to represent her in a personal injury matter involving State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company ("State Farm"). Mr. Bart's only work in the case involved arranging a doctor's appointment for Mrs. Allday and sending several letters. Three months later, Mrs. Allday discharged Mr. Bart's firm, and she and her husband, Arthur, retained respondent to represent them in the matter. At that time, respondent paid Mr. Bart's outstanding costs, $307.30, and sent Mr. Bart a form letter stating that he would "protect whatever interest in the attorney's fees herein to which you may be entitled." However, without notice to respondent or the Alldays, Mr. Bart later recorded his employment contract in the Allday case and notified State Farm of his interest in Mrs. Allday's claim. Subsequently, respondent successfully negotiated a settlement in the Allday case. In October 1993, State Farm issued a settlement draft in the amount of

*

Calogero, C.J., not on panel, recused. Rule IV, Part II,

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Louisiana Law