In the Matter of Antinoro

Antinoro entered into a contingent fee contract with clients regarding personal injuries suffered in an automobile collision. The contract made no mention of no-fault coverage. OCGA § 33-34-5.

When no-fault payments were made Antinoro endorsed the drafts without permission on behalf of the medical suppliers and used a power of attorney given him by his clients to endorse the drafts on behalf of the clients. Contending that he was entitled to a one-third contingent fee he deposited the money in his escrow account. He then drew checks against the escrow account to pay his personal debts.

In the…