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SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA NO. 99-B-2953

IN RE: LETITA JACHINTHA PARKER-DAVIS

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

PER CURIAM*
This attorney disciplinary proceeding arises from one count of formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") against respondent, Letita Jachintha Parker-Davis, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana.

UNDERLYING FACTS In May 1992, Carolyn Rhea allegedly sustained injuries at a Schwegmann's supermarket when a beer display fell on her legs. Thereafter, Ms. Rhea discussed the accident with respondent, who is also Ms. Rhea's niece.1 Although no retainer agreement was signed between the parties, respondent had Ms. Rhea sign a medical authorization dated April 29, 1993, approximately one month prior to the one-year anniversary of the accident. The authorization stated in pertinent part: "[y]ou are hereby authorized to give to my attorney, Letita Parker-Davis, all information, facts and particulars, including reports, records, . . . ." [emphasis added]. Respondent used the medical authorization to obtain Ms. Rhea's medical records. However, respondent did not take steps to settle Ms. Rhea's personal injury claim, nor did respondent file a lawsuit on Ms. Rhea's behalf within the prescriptive period. At some point, respondent contacted Ms. Rhea and informed her the case had prescribed. On August 23, 1993, respondent gave Ms. Rhea a check in the amount of $300, explaining that "when a case expires, this is what lawyers do." The check, drawn on respondent's account, bears the handwritten notation: "[f]ull payment for 77777 case #."

*

Traylor, J., not on panel. Rule IV, Part II,

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