Opinion
MR 18078.
September 2004.
Summary of Misconduct:
Mr. North was licensed in Illinois in 1977 and in Arizona in 1985. He was suspended for six months and one day in Arizona for agreeing to an aggregate settlement without the consent of all of his clients and for unilaterally determining the amount of each client's settlement award without the clients' consent. He also failed to distribute promptly an award in another client matter, and he failed to communicate with a client. The Illinois Supreme Court suspended him for three months and until he files proof of compliance with the conditions of his Arizona discipline.
Order of the Court:
The petitions by respondent Gerald David William North and the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission for leave to file exceptions to the report and recommendation of the Review Board are denied. As recommended by the Review Board, respondent is suspended from the practice of law for three months, and until respondent files proof with the Administrator that he has paid restitution of $1,869.93 plus interest and costs of the Arizona disciplinary proceeding. Suspension effective October 15, 2004.
Respondent Gerald David William North shall reimburse the Disciplinary Fund for any Client Protection payments arising from his conduct prior to the termination of the period of suspension.