Kentucky Bar Association v. Geisler
Kentucky Supreme Court
938 S.W.2d 578 (1997)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Milton McNealy was hit by a car while walking on the side of the road. McNealy hired Maria Geisler (defendant) to represent him in the resulting lawsuit. Prior to trial, McNealy died. After McNealy’s death, Geisler contacted opposing counsel, Kevin Ford, and stated that McNealy wished to settle. Geisler and Ford reached a settlement. The settlement was signed by McNealy’s son, Joe, the administrator of McNealy’s estate. It was at this point that Ford first learned that McNealy was dead. Ford sent the documents to the court, which ordered dismissal in light of the settlement. Subsequently, Ford filed a bar complaint against Geisler. The Kentucky Bar Association Board of Governors (KBA) (plaintiff) charged Geisler with violating the rules of ethics. The KBA recommended that the Kentucky Supreme Court reprimand Geisler privately but issue a public opinion against an anonymous attorney for the benefit of the bar. The Kentucky Supreme Court reviewed the case on its own motion.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stephens, C.J.)
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