MEMBERS LOUANN VAN DERWIELE CHAIRPERSON REV. MICHAEL MURRAY VICE-CHAIRPERSON DULCE M. FULLER SECRETARY JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN JONATHAN E. LAUDERBACH BARBARA WILLIAMS FORNEY KAREN D. O'DONOGHUE MICHAEL B. RIZIK, JR.
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
211 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 I FAX: 313·963-5571
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR
SHERRY L. MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRA TOR
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER
OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER
JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONISTISECRETARY
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 16-28-GA Notice Issued: October 7,2016 Robert A. Switzer, P 74724, Lincoln Park, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #25.
1. Suspension - Three Years and One Day 2. Effective October 7, 20161 Respondent did not attend the public hearing and was in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct in his representation of three separate clients by neglecting their legal matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness when representing his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failing to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of a legal matters and respond promptly to reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failing to explain the legal matters to the extent necessary forthe clients to remain reasonably informed regarding the status oftheir matters, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failing to refund unearned attorney fees paid in advance, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d ); knowingly disobeying his duties under the rules of a court or tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c); and failing to answer four requests for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B). Respondent was also found to have violated MCR 9.104(1), (2) and (4); and MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(b) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be suspended for three years and one day. The panel also ordered respondent to pay restitution in the total amount of $3,275.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,803.84. ~ a. 0./2.",\ Mark A. Armitage
Dated: October 7,2016
1 On May 23,2016, the hearing panel issued an order suspending respondent from the practice law based on his failure to appear at the public hearing. That suspension went into effect on May 31, 2016. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MeR 9.115(H)(1), issued May 31,2016.