Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Scott Alden Sobel

Summary

The court independently reviewed the record and held that Sobel violated five professional-conduct rules through neglect of two client matters, inadequate communication, failure to withdraw despite impairment, failure to expedite litigation, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The court rejected Sobel’s issue-preclusion argument because the prior excusable-neglect determination did not resolve the same issue as the disciplinary proceeding. Given the violations and Sobel’s extensive prior disciplinary history, the court suspended his license for thirty days.