Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

In re Thigpen

Attorney suspended indefinitely for abandoning clients' cases and failing to return their retainers and files as a result of his severe depression.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

These disciplinary matters are before the Court on the Petition for Voluntary Discipline of Respondent Wayne P. Thigpen. The State Bar does not object to the Court accepting Thigpen’s petition. Thigpen admits violating Standards 4 a lawyer shall not engage in professional conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or wilful misrepresentation; 22 b a lawyer shall not withdraw from employment until he has taken reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice to the rights of his client, including giving due notice to the client, allowing time for employment of other counsel, and delivering all papers and property to the client to which the client is entitled; 23 a lawyer who withdraws from employment shall promptly refund any advance fees that have not been earned; and 44 a lawyer shall not without just cause to the detriment of his client in effect wilfully abandon or wilfully disregard a legal matter entrusted to him of Bar Rule 4-102 d.

In S00Y0185, Thigpen was hired by a client to file suit on the client’s behalf to recover a fee owed for real estate appraisal and consulting services, and on February 16, 1998, the client paid Thigpen a $750 retainer. Thigpen falsely informed the client that he would send a demand letter and file the suit. After the client learned that Thigpen had not taken any action on his behalf, he demanded the return of the retainer and his client file. Thigpen returned the retainer after the client filed the instant grievance but still failed to return the client file. In S00Y0240, Thigpen filed pleadings with and entered an appearance before the Superior Court of Richmond County on March 12, 1999 while he was suspended from the practice of law. The suspension began on February 23, 1999 and Thigpen was reinstated on April 30, 1999.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2024
June 20, 2024
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Legal Innovation Awards 2024
May 23, 2024
London

Celebrate outstanding achievement in law firms, chambers, in-house legal departments and alternative business structures.


Learn More
Consulting Top Consultants 2024
June 27, 2024
New York

Consulting Magazine identifies consultants that have the biggest impact on their clients, firms and the profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY-PERTH AMBOY-NJ

Company Description CourtLaw Injury Lawyers is an established Personal Injury Law Firm with its primary office located in Perth Amboy, New J...


Apply Now ›
Bankruptcy Attorney - New York Metropolitan Area Lawyers

Black Owl Recruiting is looking for a number of qualified applicants to fill positions for a highly reputable client. Recent experience work...


Apply Now ›
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYS

McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC is seeking talented and motivated Associate Attorneys with 3-7 years of experience working closely wi...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Clifford Law Offices, PC
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
MELICK & PORTER, LLP
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, P.C.
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements