A Nevada lawyer failed to supervise his office manager who embezzled $1.2 million in client funds over four years, warranting a three-year suspension, the state’s highest court determined Sept. 11.
Stephen M. Caruso violated ethics rules on diligence, communication, conflict of interest, safekeeping property, and supervision of non-lawyer assistants, the Nevada Supreme Court said in its opinion.
The court found there was “substantial evidence” supporting these findings.
Caruso didn’t supervise his business or trust accounts, and his assistant was able to misappropriate and embezzle the funds, “which affected more than 80 clients and their lienholders,” the court said.
More at (paywall) https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/nevada-lawyer-suspended-for-not-overseeing-embezzling-manager
