Opinion
09PDJ018.
March 20, 2009.
Attorney Regulation.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a Conditional Admission of Misconduct submitted by the parties and suspended Todd R. Whelan (Attorney Registration No. 33866) from the practice of law for a period of thirty days, all stayed upon the successful completion of a one-year period of probation with conditions, effective March 20, 2009. Respondent failed to provide competent representation and failed to adequately communicate with a client with regard to her worker's compensation claim. His client ultimately lost the opportunity to contest her claim, was forced to accept the amount of the insurer's admitted liability, and is now liable for a part of her treatment. Respondent's misconduct constituted grounds for the imposition of discipline pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.5 and violated Colo. RPC 1.1 and 1.4.