Sоlо Prаctitiоner Sаndy wаs appointed to represent Chuck, a criminal defendant, on appeal. Rick, a recently admitted lawyer, agreed to write the brief if Solo Practitioner Sandy would pay him one-half of the statutory fee. Chuck agreed to the arrangement in writing, after full consultation. Rick entered an appearance as co-counsel for Chuck and, with Solo Practitioner Sandy’s knowledge, applied for and received several extensions of time to file the brief. Subsequently, the appellate court dismissed the appeal for failure to pursue the appeal. A third lawyer was later appointed to represent Chuck, whose conviction was affirmed after the appeal was reinstated. Is Solo Practitioner Sandy subject to discipline?
Stаnley wаs engаged in negоtiatiоns tо sell his interest in a large tract of land to Belinda, who was unrepresented in the transaction. Before Stanley went out of town for a few days, he told Belinda to call his attorney if Belinda had any questions about the property. Belinda called Stanley’s attorney, asked certain questions about the size of the tract, and expressed hesitations concerning the high asking price for the tract. The attorney responded that, based on his experience handling real estate transactions in the neighborhood, Belinda would be getting a lot of property for the price. At the time the attorney spoke to Belinda, the attorney knew that there was a defect in the title and that Belinda’s attempt to purchase Stanley’s interest in the tract would not result in Belinda’s acquisition of any interest in the property. Relying on the attorney's assurance, Belinda agreed to make the purchase. Shortly after the sale closed, Belinda discovered that his acquisition was worthless. Is the attorney subject to civil liability to Belinda?