Robert Mance

DCCA Opinion (January 26, 2012)

Summary: The D.C. Court of Appeals accepted Mance’s petition for negotiated discipline for four consolidated matters and suspended Mance for six months with fitness for violations of Rules 1.1(a), 1.1(b), 1.3(a), 1.5(b), 1.7(b), 1.8, and 1.16(d). In this consolidated matter, the first case of misconduct stemmed from Mance’s representation in a civil matter. Following an appeal to Superior Court from an administrative action, the Superior Court directed Mance to file a brief. Mance failed to comply or seek an extension, resulting in the dismissal of the case for want of prosecution. As a result, the client lodged a complaint with Bar Counsel. Mance subsequently met with the client and assured him that he would reopen the case and appeal the dismissal, thereby persuading the client to withdraw the complaint with Bar Counsel. Shortly thereafter, Mance entered into a written agreement with the complainant to pay him $19,500 as settlement of “any issues or differences between them.” Mance failed to inform the client of his right to seek outside counsel to review this proposed settlement. After executing the agreement, Mance paid $900, but he made no further payments and stopped communicating with the client, who then renewed his complaint with Bar Counsel. The second case of misconduct stemmed from Mance’s failure to respond to a request for production of documents in a timely manner. Although the trial court directed compliance by a certain date, and the complainant personally provided Mance with the subject documents, Mance failed to submit them to opposing counsel. As a result, opposing counsel requested sanctions, which the trial court granted. The third case of misconduct stemmed from Mance’s representation in a criminal matter. The client, who was incarcerated and, at the time, was represented by court-appointed counsel, requested his file from Mance, but Mance failed to produce it. The client notified Bar Counsel, which opened an investigation that ultimately led to the transmission of the file materials.

Hearing Committee Report (October 26, 2011)

Summary: IN RE ROBERT W. MANCE III. Bar No. 285379. October 26, 2011. The Board on Professional Responsibility’s Ad Hoc Hearing Committee recommends that the D.C. Court of Appeals accept Mance’s petition for negotiated discipline for four consolidated matters and suspend Mance for six months with fitness for violations of Rules 1.1(a), 1.1(b), 1.3(a), 1.5(b), 1.7(b), 1.8, and 1.16(d).