Wessel v. Virginia State Bar

Syllabus

In an attorney discipline case initiated by the Virginia State bar, the facts demonstrate that the attorney misled his client in a personal injury matter order to maintain control over her case and ultimately enrich himself. Even after he was terminated, the attorney tried to influence the distribution of settlement funds, refusing to even allow the disbursement of funds which undisputedly belonged to the client. Consequently, the judgment of the three-judge panel appointed in this matter finding a violation of several Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, is affirmed.