Iowa Supreme Court Board of Professional Ethics & Conduct v. Stowers

NEUMAN, Justice.

This case illustrates an unfortunate but not uncommon fact pattern — a lawyer who neglects a client’s legal matter and then misrepresents the situation to cover up the neglect. A division of the Grievance Commission found that attorney Michael Stow-ers engaged in such conduct, thus violating several provisions of the Iowa Code of Professional Responsibility. It recommends that we suspend Stowers’ license to practice law for a minimum of thirty days. On our de novo review under Iowa Supreme Court Rule 118.10, we agree with the Commission’s findings and recommended sanction.

I.…