Sullivan

Petitioner, Leo Aubrey Sullivan, seeks a review of the recommendation of the Board of Governors of the State Bar that he be disbarred.

In February 1953 Daniel Pederson paid Sullivan $300 to represent him in a criminal proceeding, and in April he paid Sullivan an additional $400 and was given a receipt stating that the money was to be used “for a forfeiture” and to finish the case. Thereafter Pederson was convicted, fined $400 and placed on probation. Sullivan promised to use the money to pay the fine, but he failed to do so, notwithstanding requests by Pederson and the latter's probation officer.

Pasko Domick, who had previously employed another lawyer to defend a civil action, paid Sullivan $500 in December 1953 *748 to assist in the defense. Sullivan did not consult with the other attorney, or appear in court, or in any way assist in the defense of the action. After the trial Sullivan agreed to return the fee, but he failed to do so, and Domiek obtained a default judgment against him.

Early in 1953 Jose Bravo was arrested in San Francisco and allegedly “beaten up” by the arresting officers. He paid Sullivan $140 to represent him in the defense of the criminal action and to…