Attorneys – Discipline – Public Defender – Unqualified Clients – Money from Clients

In re McAuley (Lawyers Weekly No. 010-058-14, 3 pp.) (Per Curiam) S.C. S. Ct.

Holding: When the respondent-attorney, as a public defender, represented clients who were not financially qualified to receive a public defense, and when she accepted funds from some of those non-qualified clients, respondent violated Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5(a), 8.4(a), and 8.4(b).

The court accepts the agreement for discipline by consent; suspends respondent from the practice of law for 18 months, retroactive to the date of her interim suspension; and requires respondent to complete the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Ethics School within 12 months of reinstatement to the practice of law.