Columbus Bar Ass'n v. Brooks

This case demonstrates the importance of DR 9-102 and the necessity of preserving the identity of funds and property of a client. The rule against commingling a client’s funds with those of his or her attorney was established to protect against the danger inherent in all cases that such comming*526ling will result in the loss of client money and the erosion of public trust in the legal profession.

Thomas paid respondent and Winkfield a retainer fee of $13,956. Thomas’s claim was settled for $48,298. Respondent and Winkfield were entitled to receive $2,143.33 from the settlement proceeds, providing…