TX HD 27: Olivo’s Opponent Anything But ‘Responsive, Reliable’
Most people are a little puzzled as to why anyone would want to get into a primary contest with State Rep. Dora Olivo (D-Missouri City). Olivo is a reliable vote for Democrats and no “Craddick D” by any means.
However, word on the street is that activists in her district are unhappy with Olivo’s votes on stem cell research and abortion issues. Olivo is Catholic and, like many Catholic Democrats in the Texas Legislature, the only time she doesn’t vote with the party is on these two issues, which is perfectly understandable.
So, Ron Reynolds, an attorney, has been encouraged to run against Olivo in the primary. On his Website, Reynolds claims he is the, “Responsive” and “Reliable” candidate for Texas House. A nice campaign slogan to be sure. The problem? Reynolds is evidently anything but “responsive” and “reliable” according to his record with the State Bar of Texas.
According to the State Bar of Texas, Reynolds has been suspended (via partially probated suspensions) from the practice of law twice and remains on probation until June of 2009.
In one instance, Reynolds settled a personal injury case without his client’s knowledge:
On Nov. 22, 2005, Ronald E. Reynolds, 31, of Houston, accepted a six-month, partially probated suspension effective March 31, 2006, upon completion of his current active suspension, with the first three months actively served and the remainder probated. An evidentiary panel of the District 4-D Grievance Committee found that Reynolds was retained to represent his client in a personal injury case. In January 2004, Reynolds settled the case without his client’s knowledge or consent. Reynolds then received settlement proceeds from the insurer without notifying his client, negotiated the settlement check without distributing the funds to his client, and misrepresented to his client that he was still working on the case after he had successfully negotiated the settlement check. Reynolds violated Rules 1.01(b)(2), 1.03(a) and (b), 1.14(a) and (b), and 8.04(a)(3). He agreed to pay $350 in attorney’s fees.
In another instance, Reynolds neglected matters for three clients:
On Feb. 9, Ronald E. Reynolds [#24025610], 31, of Katy accepted a four-year, partially probated suspension effective April 1, 2005, with the first 364 days actively served and the remainder probated. An evidentiary panel of the District 4-F Grievance Committee found Reynolds was retained in three separate matters and neglected each legal matter entrusted to him. He failed to carry out completely the obligations owed his clients, keep them reasonably informed about the status of their cases, or promptly comply with their reasonable requests for information. Reynolds violated Rules 1.01(b)(1)
and (b)(2) and 1.03(a). He was ordered to pay $3,000 in attorney’s fees.
As you can see, the Olivo/Reynolds battle will be a bloody one. Reynolds clearly has some baggage.
Written by Vince Leibowitz
If you like what you read here, please consider giving us a tip through Blog Patron or PayPal!
Visit Capitol Annex's Online Book Store!
If you liked that post, then try these...
Sunshine Week: Writing The Perfect Public Information Request by Vince Leibowitz on March 14th, 2006
Public Information: Exactly What Can I Get Under TPIA And What Can’t I Get? by Vince Leibowitz on March 13th, 2006
On The Sunshine Week Theme... by Vince Leibowitz on March 12th, 2006
Sunshine Week Is Here by Vince Leibowitz on March 12th, 2006
FOIA Update; Sunshine Week Coming by Vince Leibowitz on March 4th, 2006
Popularity: 25% [?]
(On Jan 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm)
Only had to pay attorney’s fees? Barely a slap on the wrist for that type of behavior.
(On Jan 6th, 2008 at 12:14 am)
The suspension is actually the “meat” of the disciplinary action. Also, I believe that his punishment was mitigated because he was also being sued by his clients in civil court in some of thse cases.