In re: Paul Eric Petruska

Summary

The Court independently reviewed the disciplinary record and found Petruska violated five professional-conduct rules by settling litigation without client authority, failing to keep clients informed, neglecting requested litigation work, misrepresenting the settlement to the tribunal and others, and engaging in deceitful conduct. Because his intentional deception caused a potentially significant adverse effect on the proceeding, disbarment was the baseline sanction, making him ineligible for probation; mitigating factors nevertheless warranted a downward departure to an indefinite suspension with no leave to seek reinstatement for three years.