King

*309 Opinion

We review the recommendation of the Review Department of the State Bar Court of the State of California (review department) that Gerald King (King) be suspended from the practice of law for a period of four years; that execution of suspension be stayed; and that King be placed on probation for the period subject to certain conditions, including a three-month actual suspension. We agree with the review department that King willfully and repeatedly failed to perform competently the legal services for which he was employed, failed to return client files, and violated his oath and duties as an attorney. Consequently, we adopt the disciplinary recommendation of the review department.

Facts

King was admitted to the practice of law in California on June 21, 1966, and has been a member of the State Bar since that date.

The review department adopted the hearing panel’s findings of fact. The review department’s recommendation is based on two matters involving professional misconduct by King.

A. The Jalbert Matter

Albert Jalbert was injured during a head-on automobile collision. On September 4, 1980, he hired King to represent him in a personal injury action. On July 13,…