MEMBERS LOUANN VAN DERWIELE CHAIRPERSON LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL VICE-CHAIRPERSON DULCE M. FULLER SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. MICHAEL MURRAY JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN JONATHAN E. LAUDERBACH BARBARA WILLIAMS FORNEY
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
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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 ADMINISTRATOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL
KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER
ALLY SON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER
JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 15-118-GA Notice Issued: January 29, 2016 Ralph M. Engle, P 68919, Auburn Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #74.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective January 29, 2016 Respondent was in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint and he did not appear at the hearing. Based on the default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected his client's legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objective of his client through reasonably available means permitted by law and the rules of professional conduct, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to communicate with his client regarding the status of her legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to communicate with his client to the extent reasonably necessary to permit his client to make an informed decision regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to refund the unearned portion of the advance payment of fee, and surrender papers and property to which his client was entitled, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); failed to notify his active client of his suspension, in violation of MCR 9.119; and, failed to answer a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a) and (c) and MCR 9.104(1 )-(3).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,754.42.
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