In the Matter of Dennis M. Barlow, an Attorney-At-Law

Following an audit performed in the summer of 1991 by the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE), the District XIV Ethics Committee (DEC) filed a three-count complaint on December 31, 1992, charging respondent, Dennis M. Barlow, with record-keeping violations, gross neglect in failing to safeguard client funds, and knowing misappropriation of client funds. Respondent does not dispute the first two charges, but argues that the OAE has failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he knowingly misappropriated client funds.

The charge of knowing misappropriation arises from two real estate…