In re Kaplan
Kenneth F. Kaplan, an attorney, was charged with professional misconduct, specifically the conversion of client funds. He received a $25,000 settlement check for his client, Josephine Burton, which he deposited into his fiancée's savings account and used for personal expenses, failing to maintain it in a proper escrow account for 5.5 years. Kaplan claimed he segregated cash in safe-deposit boxes, expecting to pay Burton in cash due to her being on welfare. The Departmental Disciplinary Committee's Hearing Panel rejected his defense, concluding he misappropriated his client's money and converted her funds. The court confirmed the Panel's findings and recommendations, ordering Kaplan's disbarment for the conversion of client funds.