The Arkansas Lawyer magazine Summer 2001

Page 53

[ LanIel' Disciplinal'y Mtions RON L. GOODMAN Little Rock March 27, 2001 The formal charges of misconduct upon which this Order is premised arose from the Complaint of Tamara Lee (Hughes) Brown. During 1995, Ms. Brown was involved in two (2) automobile accidents. She hired Ron L. Goodman, an attorney practicing in Little Rock, to represent her in pursuit of all claims ansmg from inJunes suffered 111 the automobile accidents. Mr. Goodman admitted that he represented Ms. Brown in these personal injury matters and also advised that he represented Ms. Brown in other legal matters including a divorce proceeding. Ms. Brown had no complaints with Mr. Goodman's representation of her preceding settlement of her claims. Ms. Brown's complaint arose as a result of notification that medical bills which Mr. Goodman had been responsible for paying had not been paid. Ms. Brown was contacted by Mr. Goodman in a

lerrer dated September 16, 1996, concerning her outstanding medical bills. In the correspondence, Mr. Goodman informed Ms.

Brown that he had paid $530 to North Arkansas Radiology. In March 1999, Ms. Brown received a copy of her credit repon. On that report there is an entry demonstrating an outstanding balance to Associated Radiologists in Jonesboro. Although the names are nor exactly the same, Ms. Brown believes that this is the account that Mr. Goodman was to have paid in October 1996, since she only had one radiology bill from her first accident. Mr. Goodman denied that he ever saw a bill owed to Associated Radiologists. Further, he denied that he ever received any funds owing to Associated Radiologists. He asserts that there was one owed ro Radiology Associates wh.ich he paid. According [Q Mr. Goodman, he explained aU of this to both Ms. Brown and to her mother on numerous occasions. In addition, Mr. Goodman advises mat he returned all of Ms. Brown's telephone calls during his representation of her. Also in

the September 16, 1996, letter, Mr. Goodman transmitted an insurance check in the amount of $1685.80 to Ms. Brown for her to sign and return to him. Ms. Brown did so. The letter specifically sets out that the insurance check is for payment of Ms. Brown's medical bills from her second accident which occurred in Florida. Included with Mr. Goodman's letter was a break-down of the medical bills covered by the check. One of those bills was in the amount of $610 owed to Barnett Chiropractic Clinic. The bill was to be paid in October 1996. However, Ms. Barnett learned that the bill was not paid until August 1998, almost two (2) years after Mr. Goodman received the funds for payment of the outstanding account. Mr. Goodman's explanation is that he paid $910 to Barnett Chiropractic Clinic, but found Out later that the amount was only for Ms. Brown's ex-husband and did not include the amount to be paid on Ms. Brown's behalf. Mr. Goodman explained that as soon as he was notified that there was an amount due on Ms. Brown's account, he sent payment. Mr. Goodman

Position Announcement City Attorney

The City Council of the City of Fayetteville is currently seeking an experienced professional to serve as City Attorney. Fayetteville is governed under a council/manager form of government, with the City Council hiring and supervising the City Attorney. The City Attorney serves as principal counsel and leads a staff of four, to include an assistant attorney. Fayetteville, located 60 miles south of Raleigh. is the sixth largest city in North Carolina with a current population of 121 ,000. The quality of life is high with abundant cultural and recreationaJ opportunities, and a downtown redevelopment project that has capitalized on the city's historic heritage. Adjacent Fort Bragg Army Post and Pope Air Force Base add to the economic diversity of the area. Responsibilities: The position is responsible for the enforcement and prosecution of city code violations; defending claims against the City; reviewing City policies and procedures for compliance with legal requirements; drafting a variety of documents to include deeds, contracts, bonds, notes, ordinances granting franchises and other legal documents as may be required for the proper conduct of the City's business; advising the mayor, the city councilor any officer or employee of the City in regard to

legal matters connected with the City's business; attending all meetings of council and performing such other duties as may be directed from time to time by the city council, or required by statute or ordinance. Minimum Requirements: Minimwn requirements include a JD from an accredited law school, a current North Carolina bar license, and seven years of experience in the field of municipal law or a governmental equivalent.

Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 pet year, dependent upon qualifications. To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume, by August 31,

2001, to: Marshall B. Pitts, Jr., Mayot Pro Tern, c/o City Hall, Attention City Attorney Search, 433 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC

28301. Faxes accepted at (910) 433-1055. The City Council will reviewaJl applications and make the hiring decision. If you have any questions regarding this posting, please call the City

of Fayetteville, Personnel Services Department at (910) 433-1635.

The City of Fayetteville is an equal opportunity employer.

101. ~6 NO.I/Sommer 2001

The Arkaosas I.allyer

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