In the Matter of Bozeman
This disciplinary matter is before the Court pursuant to a Notice of Discipline filed by the State Bar alleging that Respondent Sabrina K. Bozeman violated Rules 1.15 (I) and (II), 8.4 (a) (4) and 9.3 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct of Bar Rule 4-102 (d). The State Bar is seeking Bozeman’s disbarment. Bozeman has been suspended
According to the Notice of Discipline, a client retained Bozeman in October 2007 to represent her in a personal injury case. In February 2008 Bozeman settled the client’s case, signed the client’s name to the settlement check without authority, and failed to notify the client that she had received the settlement funds. Bozeman then commingled the settlement funds with her personal funds; converted the settlement monies to her own use; and failed to pay third-party medical care providers on the client’s behalf. Despite the client’s numerous attempts to contact Bozeman regarding the settlement, Bozeman failed to return her calls. When confronted by a screening lawyer from the Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) regarding this matter, Bozeman falsely represented that she delivered the settlement proceeds to the client in March 2008. Bozeman was served by publication with a Notice of Investigation in this matter, but she failed to respond.
Based on our review of the record, we agree with the State Bar that disbarment is the appropriate sanction in this matter particularly as it appears that Bozeman acted wilfully and dishonestly in converting the client’s funds. Accordingly, Bozeman hereby is disbarred from the practice of law in Georgia. She is reminded of her duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Disbarred.