MEMBERS JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
CHAIRPERSON LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL
VICE-CHAIRPERSON DULCE M. FULLER
SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D LOUANN VAN DER WIELE MICHAEL MURRAY JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN
STATE OF MICIDGAN 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 JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 15-20-GA Notice Issued: July 30,2015
Matthew C. Shepard, P 71547, Troy, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #15. 1. Disbarment 2. Effective July 30,20151 Respondent failed to appear at the hearing and the panel suspended his license, effective April 15, 2015, pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1). Respondent was also found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of her matter and comply promptly with
reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to his client to the extent necessary for her to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to refund an unearned legal fee paid in advance, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); made a false statement of material fact or law to his client or a third person, in
violation of MRPC 4.1; failed to notify an active client, in writing, of his disciplinary suspension, in violation of MCR 9.119(A); engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, in violation of MRPC 9.119(E)(1); held himself out as an attorney during the period of a suspension of his law license,
in violation of MCR 9.119(E)(4); failed to refund an unearned legal fee paid in advance, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); and made a false statement of material fact or law to his client or third person, in violation of MRPC 4.1. The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(b)-(c), and MCR 9.104(2)-(3).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1,200.00. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1,731,74.
Mark A. Armitage Dated: JUt 3 0 2015
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since April 28, 2014. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1) issued April 28,2014.