The Whistleblower blog was started in 2008. Look for posts by these contributors: James Eli Shiffer, Jane Friedmann, Brandon Stahl, Eric Roper and Alejandra Matos. | Check out the Whistleblower archive.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Find our watchdog and investigative work at The Investigators.

The Star Tribune's journalists need your help blowing the whistle in Minnesota. Contact us here.

Client compensated for funds kept by lawyer

Posted by: Jane Friedmann under Businesses in hot water, Whistleblower Updated: July 3, 2012 - 6:15 PM
  • share

    email

A reader recently received some welcome news.
Craig Taylor, of New Brighton, was awarded a $59,675 payout from the Minnesota Client Security Board in June as compensation for money kept by his divorce attorney, Deno Walter Berndt.
Taylor had filed a complaint with the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility after Berndt received funds from the sale of Taylor’s house and failed to pass them on, Taylor said.
Berndt took “affirmative steps to conceal receipt of the funds,” according to a disciplinary petition by the Office.
Berndt also failed to respond to discovery requests and notify Taylor of a hearing, which led to a default divorce judgment, Taylor told Whistleblower.
Berndt was disbarred in March over his handling of Taylor’s case.
Once there, click on "Petition" to read the allegations that lead to the disbarment.

Click here to read more about the Minnesota Client Security board and who may file a claim.

  • 0
  • Comments

Be the first to comment

  • share

    email

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Connect with twitterConnect with facebookConnect with Google+Connect with PinterestConnect with PinterestConnect with RssfeedConnect with email newsletters

ADVERTISEMENT