Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. David A. Morse

WATERMAN, Justice.

This attorney disciplinary case arises from a lawyer’s missteps that resulted in the dismissal of an appeal. His clients disputed the amounts their business owed to the plaintiffs in a mechanic’s lien action and went to trial against his .advice. The clients were disappointed in the trial outcome and chose to appeal but fell behind in paying his legal fees. The court reporter insisted on an advance payment of $1400 to prepare the trial transcript required for the appeal, and the clients tendered that amount to the lawyer. The lawyer failed to pay the court reporter. Seven…