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Dale O. Thompson (WSBA No. 14122, admitted 1984), of Salem, Oregon, was suspended for 120 days effective January 30, 2002, pursuant to an RLD 12.6 reciprocal discipline proceeding. This discipline was based on a stipulation to discipline approved by the Oregon Supreme Court involving lack of diligence in two client matters during 1998.
Matter 1: In October 1997, Mr. Thompson began representing a client in a proceeding for post-conviction relief. In February 1998, the court denied the client’s petition. Mr. Thompson then agreed to represent the client in an appeal of the first order, but did not file a timely notice of appeal. From April 7, 1998 through June 30, 1998, Mr. Thompson took no substantial action on the client’s case.
Matter 2: In February 1998, Mr. Thompson was appointed to represent a plaintiff in a civil-rights suit. In March, Mr. Thompson advised the client to allow the case to be dismissed on summary judgment, explaining that he would prepare and file a new complaint. After March 1998, Mr. Thompson took no further substantial action on the client’s case. In August 1998, the court dismissed the client’s case for failure to prosecute.
Matter 3: Mr. Thompson failed to comply with disciplinary counsel’s requests for information regarding this matter, to respond to several written requests for information, and to appear pursuant to a subpoena issued in February 2000.
Mr. Thompson’s conduct violated Oregon Code of Professional Responsibility DR 6-101(B), prohibiting lawyers from neglecting client matters entrusted to them; and DR-1-103(C), requiring lawyers to respond fully and truthfully to inquiries in disciplinary proceedings.
Felice Congalton represented the Bar Association. Mr. Thompson represented himself.
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