In Re Petition for Disciplinary Action Against Shaughnessy

This matter comes to us on the petition of the director of the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board for disciplinary action against respondent Stephen W. Shaughnes-sy, who was admitted to the practice of law in 1962. Having considered allegations of professional misconduct with respect to the affairs of four clients, the referee concluded that respondent’s failure to communicate adequately with three clients and his misleading statements regarding the status of their cases amounted to unprofessional conduct justifying suspension.

The first allegation arose out of respondent’s…