Thomas P. Lowe, a Burnsville lawyer who had an affair with a client and "bill[ed] her for meetings in which they engaged in sexual relations" was suspended for at least 15 months, according to an order last week by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

The unnamed client told Lowe she had been sexually abused by a high school coach and had attempted suicide, according to a petition from the Office of Lawyers' Professional Responsibility.

Lowe, who suggested the affair, had sex with the client at hotels, her home and in his car.

Several months after Lowe's wife discovered the relationship, the client attempted suicide. That same day, Lowe withdrew as her attorney and sent her a bill. Lowe "unconditionally admits the allegations of the petition," the order stated.

JANE FRIEDMANN