Attorney Grievance Commission v. Nichols

The Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland (“Petitioner”), acting through Bar Counsel and pursuant to Mary*209land Rule 16-751(a),1 filed a Petition For Disciplinary or Remedial Action against Respondent, Ernest S. Nichols on August 14, 2007. The Petition alleged that Respondent, who was admitted to the Bar of this Court on December 13, 1995, violated Rules 1.1 (Competence),2 1.3 (Diligence),3 1.5 (Fees),4 1.15 (Safekeeping Property),5 1.16(d) (Declining or Terminat*210ing Representation),6 Rule 8.1(b) (Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters),7 and 8.4(c) (Misconduct)8 of the Maryland *211Rules of…