O'Connell v. Mann (In Re Davila)
Daniel E. O’Connell, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee, filed a complaint against attorney Frank E. Mann, III, seeking fee reduction, disallowance, and disgorgement in 155 Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. The Court found Mann engaged in a pattern of misconduct, including accepting unapproved fees, falsifying client schedules, and suborning perjury, in violation of bankruptcy laws and professional conduct rules. Mann's practice relied heavily on untrained legal assistants, resulting in inaccurate client disclosures and inadequate legal advice. The Court concluded that Mann's services were akin to a petition preparer and he was incompetent in bankruptcy matters. Consequently, the Court denied all claimed fees, ordered Mann to disgorge previously received fees, and suspended him from practicing before the presiding judge.