Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board Vs. James L. Wagner ( 2009 )


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  •                 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF IOWA
    No. 09–0504
    Filed June 26, 2009
    IOWA SUPREME COURT ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY BOARD,
    Complainant,
    vs.
    JAMES L. WAGNER,
    Respondent.
    On review of the report of the Grievance Commission.
    Grievance Commission in disciplinary proceeding recommends
    suspension     of   respondent’s    license   to   practice   law.   LICENSE
    SUSPENDED.
    Charles L. Harrington and David J. Grace, Des Moines, for
    complainant.
    James L. Wagner, Waterloo, pro se.
    2
    PER CURIAM.
    This matter comes before the court on the report of a division of
    the Grievance Commission of the Supreme Court of Iowa. See Iowa Ct.
    R. 35.10. The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board alleged
    the respondent, James L. Wagner, violated ethical rules by neglecting
    client matters, prematurely taking probate fees, misrepresenting the
    status of an estate to the court, failing to deposit unearned fees in his
    trust account, failing to promptly return unearned fees, and failing to
    cooperate with the Board. A division of the Grievance Commission of the
    Supreme Court of Iowa found Wagner violated the Iowa Code of
    Professional     Responsibility     for   Lawyers      and   the    Iowa    Rules    of
    Professional Conduct and recommended that we suspend Wagner’s
    license to practice law for a period of ninety days. 1 Upon our respectful
    consideration     of   the   findings     of   fact,   conclusions     of   law,    and
    recommendation of the Commission, we find the respondent committed
    the alleged ethical violations and suspend his license to practice law
    indefinitely with no possibility of reinstatement for six months.
    I. Standard of Review.
    We review attorney disciplinary proceedings de novo.                        Iowa
    Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v. Gottschalk, 
    729 N.W.2d 812
    , 815
    (Iowa 2007). The Board has the burden to prove attorney misconduct by
    a convincing preponderance of the evidence.                Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y
    Disciplinary Bd. v. Conrad, 
    723 N.W.2d 791
    , 792 (Iowa 2006).
    This burden is less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt,
    but more than the preponderance standard required in the
    usual civil case. Once misconduct is proven, we “may
    1The  Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct became effective July 1, 2005,
    replacing the Iowa Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers. Some of the
    conduct in this case occurred before the effective date of the new rules and some after.
    3
    impose a lesser or greater sanction than the discipline
    recommended by the grievance commission.”
    
    Id.
     (quoting Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof’l Ethics & Conduct v. Lett, 
    674 N.W.2d 139
    , 142 (Iowa 2004)).                The Commission’s findings and
    recommendations are given respectful consideration, but we are not
    bound by them. Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v. Isaacson, 
    750 N.W.2d 104
    , 106 (Iowa 2008).
    II. Factual Findings.
    The respondent has been an attorney for thirty-five years and is
    currently practicing law in Waterloo, Iowa.                  The charges in this
    disciplinary action stem from the respondent’s representation of four
    separate clients. A hearing was held before a division of the Grievance
    Commission      on   February    24,   2009.           The   factual   findings   and
    conclusions reached in each case will be addressed separately.
    A. Bornong Estate.         In January 2004, Wagner was retained to
    assist in the probate of the estate of Margaret Bornong. The executor of
    the estate was the decedent’s sister, Helen McClain.
    Shortly   after   opening    the       estate,    Wagner    obtained    a   fee
    authorization order in the amount of $22,642.                Although he had not
    prepared or filed the appropriate tax returns, on March 3, 2004, Wagner
    took $11,321 or one-half of the authorized fee. He took the second half
    of his fees on October 1, 2005, before any final report was prepared or
    filed or the court costs paid. The respondent did not place these moneys
    in the client’s trust account.
    Pursuant to Bornong’s will, the residuary of her estate was to be
    placed in trust with the income to be distributed to her nephew, Michael
    McClain, while he completed his Ph.D., but for no longer than two years
    after Bornong’s death. Thereafter, the principal and accumulated income
    4
    was to be distributed equally to her sister’s children. Two years after her
    death, the decedent’s estate remained open.         On October 31, 2005,
    Wagner filed an interim report informing the court that the final report
    and accounting was being prepared and that all assets had been
    distributed. He requested that the court allow the estate to be held open
    until February 28, 2006, “to allow one of the beneficiaries to finish school
    to avoid the expense of opening and administering a Trust.”
    The executor, Helen McClain, died on March 2, 2006. On May 4,
    2006,    Michael   McClain   wrote   to   the   respondent requesting   the
    respondent’s assistance in locating his mother’s will and voicing
    concerns that his aunt’s estate had not been settled and that the tax
    obligations had not been addressed.       Wagner failed to respond to this
    inquiry.   On May 31, 2006, the respondent had filed another interim
    report and request to keep Bornong’s estate open.        This request was
    signed by the respondent without the named alternate executor’s
    knowledge or consent.
    The new executor obtained new legal representation.           Upon
    investigation, it was discovered the respondent had failed to file some of
    the required federal and state estate tax returns. Moreover, the returns
    that had been prepared and/or filed were incorrect, resulting in
    significant penalties and interest. It was also determined Wagner had
    failed to appropriately file the required fiduciary tax forms, resulting in
    additional penalties and fees. Together, these errors resulted in penalties
    and interest in excess of $55,000.        In addition, counsel determined
    Wagner had misrepresented to the court the status of beneficiary Michael
    McClain, who had completed his education five months prior to the
    respondent’s initial request to hold the estate open and, further, had
    5
    misrepresented in the second interim report that he—Wagner—was
    awaiting tax clearances. The tax returns, in fact, had not been filed.
    As a result of the respondent’s dilatory handling, the estate was
    not closed until June 2007, over three and one-half years after Bornong’s
    death.      Moreover, despite requests from the estate, Wagner failed to
    refund any portion of his fees or recompense the estate for his errors.
    On May 29, 2007, the executor of the estate filed a lawsuit against
    Wagner, seeking damages due to Wagner’s negligence in administering
    Bornong’s estate. On January 10, 2008, Wagner confessed judgment to
    the executor in the sum of $66,058.                   On February 5, 2009, the
    respondent paid the judgment plus interest and costs.
    The Board asserted Wagner violated our ethical rules by (1) failing
    to handle the estate with reasonable diligence and promptness; (2) failing
    to adequately communicate with his client; (3) collecting probate fees
    before they were earned, contrary to Iowa Rule of Probate Procedure
    7.2(4); 2 (4) failing to deposit unearned fees into his trust account; (5)
    misrepresenting the status of a matter to the court; and (6) failing to
    promptly refund unearned fees.              See Iowa Rs. Prof’l Conduct 32:1.1
    (requiring lawyer to provide competent representation); 32:1.3 (requiring
    lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a
    client); 32:1.4 (requiring lawyer to keep client reasonably informed and
    promptly comply with requests for information); 32:1.5(a) (providing
    lawyer shall not violate any restrictions imposed by law relating to a fee);
    32:1.15 (requiring lawyer to place unearned fees in client trust account);
    2In   pertinent part, Iowa Rule of Probate Procedure 7.2(4) provides:
    One half of the fees for ordinary services may be paid when the federal
    estate tax return, if required, and Iowa inheritance tax return, if
    required, are prepared. . . . The remainder of the fees may be paid when
    the final report is filed and the costs have been paid.
    6
    32:1.16(d) (requiring lawyer, upon termination, to promptly refund any
    unearned fee); 32:3.3(a)(1) (prohibiting lawyer from knowingly making
    false statement of material fact to the court); and 32:8.4(a), (c), and (d)
    (holding it is misconduct for lawyer to violate an ethical rule, engage in
    conduct involving misrepresentation, and engage in conduct that is
    prejudicial to the administration of justice); Iowa Ct. Rs. 45.1 (requiring
    attorney to deposit funds belonging to client in client trust account);
    45.2(2) (requiring attorney to promptly deliver to the client funds that
    client is entitled to receive).
    In response, the respondent admitted the factual allegations
    contained in this count of the Board’s complaint. He also admitted the
    alleged violations. Upon our de novo review of the record, we, like the
    Commission, conclude the facts support a finding by a convincing
    preponderance of the evidence the respondent committed the ethical
    violations alleged by the Board in his representation of the Bornong
    estate.
    B. Ronald Bearbower Asbestos Claim. Between 1963 and 1966,
    Ronald Bearbower was a seaman in the Navy where he was exposed to
    asbestos on a regular basis.      In 1997, Bearbower was diagnosed with
    lung cancer for which he underwent treatment. Although currently in
    remission, he lives each day with the risk of his cancer returning.
    In 2003, Bearbower learned of a Texas law firm that was
    prosecuting asbestos cases resulting from exposure during military
    service.    Upon his request for information, Bearbower received a
    questionnaire and an attorney employment agreement form from the
    Texas firm. In May 2003, Bearbower brought the information to Wagner
    for his review. A week later, Wagner agreed to represent Bearbower in
    his asbestos claim, and the parties entered into a written contract.
    7
    On July 11, 2003, the Texas law firm contacted Bearbower in
    writing, inquiring whether he intended to proceed with his asbestos
    claim.     The letter indicated a need to act expediently because more
    stringent filing criteria were expected after August 1.                Bearbower
    presented Wagner with this information. Wagner, however, advised him
    not to worry because under Iowa law the statute of limitations would not
    run for two years.
    From August 2003 to August 2004, Bearbower called the
    respondent’s    office     every   other    month   to   see   how   things   were
    progressing. The respondent never returned Bearbower’s calls. Between
    January      2005    and     December       2006,   Bearbower    called   Wagner
    approximately twice a week to inquire as to whether a lawsuit had been
    filed.    Wagner never returned any of these calls either.             Finally, in
    December 2006, Bearbower obtained a new attorney. An investigation
    revealed that Wagner had failed to file any lawsuit on Bearbower’s behalf.
    Moreover, subsequent inquires led to the conclusion the statute of
    limitations had run on Bearbower’s asbestos claim.
    The Board alleged the respondent’s actions in the Bearbower
    asbestos claim evidenced neglect and a failure to communicate and led to
    the loss of the client’s claim.            As a result, the Board claimed the
    respondent violated the Iowa Code of Professional Responsibility for
    Lawyers DR 6–101(A), providing a lawyer shall not neglect a client’s legal
    matter; DR 7–101(A), providing a lawyer shall not fail to carry out a
    contract of employment legally entered into or prejudice or damage a
    client during the course of the professional relationship; DR 1–102(A)(1),
    (5), and (6), holding it is misconduct for a lawyer to violate an ethical
    rule, engage in conduct involving misrepresentation, and engage in
    conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; and Iowa
    8
    Rules of Professional Conduct 32:1.1, 32:1.3, 32:1.4, and 32:8.4(a) and
    (d).
    The respondent admitted the facts asserted in the Board’s
    complaint. He also admitted the alleged violations. As in the prior claim,
    we conclude the facts support a finding by a convincing preponderance
    of the evidence the respondent committed the ethical violations alleged
    by the Board in his representation of Ronald Bearbower.
    C. Dorothy    Bearbower    Personal   Injury   Claim.     Dorothy
    Bearbower was injured in a motor vehicle accident on January 10, 2003.
    She subsequently engaged the respondent to represent her in a claim
    against the driver of the other vehicle, Sally Jarchow. On January 10,
    2005, the respondent filed a claim on behalf of Dorothy and Ronald
    Bearbower against the Jarchows.
    In April 2005, the respondent was served with interrogatories and
    a request for production in the matter.      The Bearbowers were never
    informed of these discovery requests or contacted by the respondent with
    regards to them. When discovery was not forthcoming, the defendants’
    attorney filed a motion to compel and a motion for sanctions.          On
    October 5, 2005, Wagner responded that discovery would be completed
    by October 31, 2005.     The deadline was subsequently extended until
    January 16, 2006. The respondent failed, however, to ever respond to
    the defendants’ discovery request. On March 7, 2006, the court granted
    the defendants’ motion to dismiss due to Wagner’s failure to resist the
    renewed motion for sanctions and his failure to respond to discovery. By
    this time, the two-year statute of limitations had run on Dorothy
    Bearbower’s claim, preventing the refiling of the action. The Bearbowers
    subsequently filed a lawsuit against the respondent for negligent
    representation in this matter and in the asbestos case.
    9
    The Board alleged the respondent’s actions violated DR 6–101(A),
    DR 7–101(A), and DR 1–102(A)(1), (5), and (6) of the Iowa Code of
    Professional Responsibility for Lawyers and Iowa Rules of Professional
    Conduct 32:1.1, 32:1.3, 32:1.4, 32:3.2 (requiring lawyer to make
    reasonable efforts to expedite client’s litigation), and 32:8.4(a) and (d).
    Again, the respondent admitted the facts alleged in the Board’s
    complaint,      which      we     conclude      establishes      by    a    convincing
    preponderance of the evidence the ethical violations alleged by the Board.
    D. Nelsen Real Estate Transaction. In early 2008, four siblings,
    Steve Peterson, Ronny Fike, Joyce Davis, and Irv Peterson, through their
    real estate agent, Amy Wienands, entered into an agreement with
    Mitchell Nelsen to sell Nelsen their parents’ house. Wagner was retained
    by the sellers to assist in this transaction. The sellers subsequently filed
    a complaint with the Board, asserting Wagner had failed to diligently and
    promptly represent them in the transaction. Upon the Board’s inquiry,
    Wagner denied the allegation stating “[he] felt that [he] timely handled
    the . . . matter based on the file and results.”
    The Board called two witnesses to testify at the hearing. Realtor
    Wienands testified the sellers entered into a purchase agreement with
    Nelsen on January 10, 2008. On February 27, 2008, the day before the
    scheduled closing, Wienands received the title opinion from the title
    company. The opinion raised several concerns with the title. Wienands
    testified none of the issues were extraordinary, and she believed the
    sellers’ attorney, Wagner, should have been able to resolve the issues
    within a week. 3 The parties, however, agreed to continue the closing for
    3The   issues to be resolved involved clearing up back child support owed by one
    of the sellers and establishing that one of the sellers had been erroneously identified as
    a debtor due to a name similarity.
    10
    two weeks in order to give Wagner ample time to effect a resolution. A
    new closing date was set for March 11, 2008.
    Thereafter, Wienands testified she encountered a great deal of
    difficulty in contacting the respondent to ascertain the status of the title
    issues.   Numerous and frequent calls to Wagner went unanswered.
    When contact was made, Wagner’s response about the status of the title
    opinion was that it was “almost done” or was “ready to go out” and then
    nothing would happen.       During this period of time, Wienands was
    fielding inquiries from both the buyer and the sellers. She relayed these
    inquiries to Wagner, who failed to respond. Moreover, Wienands testified
    that Wagner never requested additional time or communicated to her
    that he was having difficulty resolving the concerns with the title.
    Ultimately, the title issues were resolved, and the real estate
    transaction was closed on April 24, 2008, eight weeks after it was
    originally scheduled to close and six weeks after the extension. During
    this time, the buyer was assessed a rate lock extension fee. According to
    Wienands, a rate lock allows a buyer to “lock in” an interest rate for a
    period of time. Extensions on a rate lock can generally be obtained at a
    cost of between $300 and $600.       In this case, Wienands testified the
    mortgage company agreed to pay the rate lock extension fee for the
    buyer.
    Seller Steve Peterson was also called by the Board to testify. His
    recollection of events corresponded with Wienands’.       Peterson testified
    numerous phone calls made by him and his siblings to Wagner went
    unanswered. In addition, Peterson testified that one of the title issues
    involved his back child support. Peterson testified that he resolved this
    issue on March 3, 2008, and faxed the information to Wagner’s office on
    that date.   Peterson also informed the Board that, although the real
    11
    estate transaction was completed on April 24, 2008, there was no
    accounting until July 8, 2008.
    At the hearing, Wagner did not cross-examine either of the Board’s
    witnesses, and he did not put on any evidence of his own. Furthermore,
    he declined to make any statement to the Commission and submitted no
    brief. In other words, he provided no explanation to the Commission for
    his actions. Prior to the hearing, Wagner admitted he did not respond in
    a timely manner to the Board’s letter of inquiry regarding his handling of
    this matter.
    Based upon the evidence presented, the Commission concluded
    Wagner failed to handle this real estate matter in a timely manner and
    failed to sufficiently communicate with his clients.                 In addition, the
    Commission agreed with the Board that these actions violated the Iowa
    Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically rules 32:1.1, 32:1.3, 32:1.4,
    32:8.1(b) (lawyer in a disciplinary proceeding shall not fail to respond to
    inquiry from the board), and 32:8.4(a). 4
    Upon our de novo review, we agree the evidence supports a finding
    by a convincing preponderance of the evidence that the respondent
    violated rule 32:1.3, requiring a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence
    and promptness when representing a client; rule 32:1.4, requiring a
    lawyer to keep his client reasonably informed and to promptly comply
    with requests for information; rule 32:8.1(b), requiring a lawyer to
    promptly respond to inquiries from the Board; and rule 32:8.4(a),
    providing it is misconduct for a lawyer to violate an ethical rule.
    4The  Commission also found Wagner’s failure to respond to the Board’s inquiry
    violated rule 32:8.4(d), prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
    The Board’s complaint does not, however, make this allegation under Count IV.
    12
    We disagree, however, that the Board satisfactorily established
    Wagner failed to provide competent representation in this case.
    “Competent      representation     requires    the     legal   knowledge,      skill,
    thoroughness,      and     preparation      reasonably     necessary    for      the
    representation.”     Iowa R. Prof’l Conduct 32:1.1.            Although Wagner’s
    handling of the title issues was dilatory, there was no evidence to
    support a finding that Wagner did not possess the necessary legal
    knowledge and skill to complete the task at hand.              Moreover, from all
    reports, the representation, though slow, was appropriate.             The Board
    presented no evidence to support a finding of a violation of rule 32:1.1.
    The Board also alleged in its complaint that Wagner’s handling of
    the real estate transaction matter involved misrepresentation. See Iowa
    R. Prof’l Conduct 32:8.4(c).        The Commission did not address this
    allegation.     Upon our de novo review, we conclude the evidence
    established by a convincing preponderance of the evidence that Wagner
    engaged in conduct involving misrepresentation. Wienands testified that,
    on several occasions, Wagner advised her that the title opinion
    documents were prepared and would be delivered that afternoon or the
    following morning.        They never were.           Repeated claims that the
    documents were ready and would be delivered shortly, followed by a
    failure   to   deliver   said   documents,    supports     the    conclusion     the
    documents were, in fact, not ready and that Wagner was misrepresenting
    this fact to the agent to the detriment of his clients.
    III. Sanctions.
    The Commission recommends Wagner’s license to practice law be
    suspended with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of ninety
    days. We may, however, impose a lesser or greater sanction than that
    13
    recommended by the Grievance Commission.            Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y
    Disciplinary Bd. v. Plumb, 
    766 N.W.2d 626
    , 629 (Iowa 2009).
    “There is no standard sanction for a particular type of misconduct,
    and though prior cases can be instructive, we ultimately determine an
    appropriate sanction based on the particular circumstances of each
    case.”     Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v. Earley, 
    729 N.W.2d 437
    , 443 (Iowa 2007).        In determining the appropriate sanction for
    attorney misconduct,
    we consider the nature and extent of the respondent’s ethical
    infractions, his fitness to continue practicing law, our
    obligation to protect the public from further harm by the
    respondent, the need to deter other attorneys from engaging
    in similar misconduct, our desire to maintain the reputation
    of the bar as a whole, and any aggravating or mitigating
    circumstances.
    Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof’l Ethics & Conduct v. Kallsen, 
    670 N.W.2d 161
    , 164 (Iowa 2003).
    The respondent’s ethical violations involved neglect of several
    clients’ matters.     One consideration in determining the appropriate
    discipline is the harm resulting from the attorney’s neglect.            Iowa
    Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v. Casey, 
    761 N.W.2d 53
    , 61 (Iowa
    2009).
    It is undisputed the respondent’s neglect caused great harm to his
    clients.     Wagner’s neglect of the Bornong estate resulted in the
    assessment of significant tax penalties and fees. Moreover, his inactions
    made it necessary for the estate to retain new counsel to close the estate
    and to bring legal action against the respondent to recoup those
    penalties and unearned attorney fees.         Wagner’s neglect of Ronald
    Bearbower’s asbestos claim resulted in loss of the claim on statute-of-
    limitations grounds, while his neglect of Dorothy Bearbower’s personal
    14
    injury claim resulted in the claim’s dismissal. By the time the action was
    dismissed, the statute of limitations had run, effectively foreclosing her
    claim as well. While it does not appear Wagner’s neglect of the Nelsen
    real estate matter resulted in monetary loss to his clients, the sellers, it
    did result in a rate lock extension cost to the buyer. Additionally, all of
    Wagner’s clients were harmed by stress caused by Wagner’s neglect.
    When attorney misconduct involves neglect, sanctions have ranged
    from a public reprimand to a six-month suspension. Casey, 
    761 N.W.2d at 61
    . “When neglect is compounded by other misconduct, a more severe
    sanction may be required.”     Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v.
    Tompkins, 
    733 N.W.2d 661
    , 670 (Iowa 2007).          “Often, the distinction
    between the punishment imposed depends upon the existence of
    multiple instances of neglect, past disciplinary problems, and other
    companion violations.”     Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v.
    Lesyshen, 
    712 N.W.2d 101
    , 106 (Iowa 2006).
    In this case, the Board established the respondent committed
    several additional ethical violations.    Wagner’s premature taking of
    probate fees and his failure to appropriately deposit the unearned fees
    into the client trust account constitutes a serious ethical infraction.
    Casey, 
    761 N.W.2d at 62
    . In the past, we have held that a deliberate
    conversion of client funds will warrant revocation of an attorney’s license.
    See Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v. Curtis, 
    749 N.W.2d 694
    ,
    704 (Iowa 2008).    However, where an attorney has a colorable future
    claim to the funds, we have imposed a lesser sanction.         Casey, 
    761 N.W.2d at 62
    .    At the time Wagner took the fees, he had a colorable
    future claim to them upon closure of the estate.       Nevertheless, while
    revocation may not be required, we find Wagner’s failure to return, upon
    request, the unearned fees adds to the seriousness of his initial action of
    15
    prematurely appropriating his fee.     See Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof’l
    Ethics & Conduct v. Apland, 
    577 N.W.2d 50
    , 56 (Iowa 1998) (noting the
    failure to return unearned advance fees constitutes a major disciplinary
    problem).
    Wagner’s misrepresentations to the court and to his clients also
    weigh in favor of a more serious sanction.      “Misrepresentation to the
    court constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics, warranting a
    more severe sanction than neglect.” Gottschalk, 729 N.W.2d at 821. “At
    its most basic level a court must rely, not alone on the honesty of
    lawyers, but also on the reliability of factual representations submitted to
    the court.” Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof’l Ethics & Conduct v. Ackerman,
    
    611 N.W.2d 473
    , 474 (Iowa 2000).
    Wagner did not fully cooperate with the Board’s investigation in the
    Nelsen matter.    “We expect and demand attorneys to cooperate with
    disciplinary investigations.”   Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y Disciplinary Bd. v.
    Rickabaugh, 
    728 N.W.2d 375
    , 381 (Iowa 2007). Thus, the respondent’s
    failure to cooperate is another act of misconduct requiring our
    consideration in crafting the appropriate discipline.      See Casey, 
    761 N.W.2d at 60
    .
    In addition to the established ethical violations, we consider
    whether any aggravating circumstances exist.        Prior discipline is an
    aggravating factor to be considered. 
    Id. at 62
    . Our records reveal the
    respondent was publicly reprimanded twice in 1999—once for neglect
    and once for misrepresentation. We also consider any mitigating factors.
    Here, Wagner failed to provide the Commission with any reasons in
    mitigation for his behavior.     We, like the Commission, conclude that
    because no mitigating circumstances by way of explanation or excuse
    have been provided, there is nothing for us to consider.
    16
    In fashioning the appropriate sanction, “we look to prior similar
    cases while remaining cognizant of their limited usefulness due to the
    variations in their facts.” 
    Id.
     We also consider the goals of discipline:
    deterrence, protection of the public, maintenance of the reputation of the
    Bar, and the actor’s fitness to practice law.    Iowa Supreme Ct. Att’y
    Disciplinary Bd. v. Humphrey, 
    738 N.W.2d 617
    , 621 (Iowa 2007).
    Considering the respondent’s ethical violations and his prior disciplinary
    actions, we believe a more severe sanction than that recommended by
    the Commission is warranted. Wagner’s neglect of his clients resulted in
    significant harm to them. In addition, his other ethical violations were
    serious and not inconsequential to his clients, the court, or the public.
    We find a six-month suspension is warranted. Cf. 
    id.
     at 619–21 (neglect
    of and misrepresentations in six estates and premature taking of probate
    fees in three estates warranted six-month suspension).
    IV. Conclusion.
    Based   upon    Wagner’s   neglect   of   his   clients’   cases,   his
    misrepresentations to the court and others, his premature taking of
    probate fees and failure to deposit them in his client trust account, his
    failure to promptly return unearned fees, his failure to promptly respond
    to the Board, and his prior disciplinary record, we believe Wagner’s
    license to practice law should be suspended for a minimum of six
    months.    Accordingly, his license is suspended indefinitely with no
    possibility of reinstatement for six months. This suspension shall apply
    to all facets of the practice of law. Iowa Ct. R. 35.12(3). The respondent
    shall provide all notifications required by Iowa Court Rule 35.22. Upon
    any application for reinstatement, Wagner shall have the burden to show
    he has not practiced law during the period of suspension and that he
    17
    meets the requirement of Iowa Court Rule 35.13.   Costs are taxed to
    Wagner pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 35.26(1).
    LICENSE SUSPENDED.
    This opinion shall be published.