MEMBERS MICHAEL B. RIZIK, JR. CHAIRPERSON LINDA S. HOTCHKISS, MD VICE-CHAIRPERSON REV. DR. LOUIS J. PRUES SECRETARY KAREN D. O’DONOGHUE MICHAEL S. HOHAUSER
PETER A. SMIT ALAN GERSHEL LINDA M. ORLANS JASON M. TURKISH
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
333 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1700
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR — KAREN M. DALEY ASSOCIATE COUNSEL — SHERRY MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR —
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER — JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY —
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3147
PHONE: 313-963-5553
www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 22-12-GA Notice Issued: August 11, 2022 Stephen LaCommare, P 52718, Howell, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #1
Disbarment, Effective August 11, 2022 1 After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found, by default, that respondent committed professional misconduct, as charged in a five-count formal complaint, during his representation of four separate clients in their separate legal matters and by failing to answer six separate requests for investigation.
Based on respondent’s default, and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel found that respondent, with respect to Counts One through Four, failed to undertake preparation necessary under the circumstances, in violation of MRPC 1.1(b); neglected legal matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and failed to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to take reasonable steps to protect a client's interests upon termination of representation, including a failure to refund any advance payment of fee that has not been earned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(1); engaged in conduct that exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); and, engaged in conduct that was contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).
With regard to Count Five, the panel found that respondent knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2); failed to answer a request for investigation in conformity with MCR 9.113(A)-(B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MRPC 8.1(a)(2); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(1); engaged in conduct that exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); engaged in conduct that was contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3); and, engaged in conduct that violated the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MCR 9.104(4).
The panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice law and that he pay restitution in the total amount of $7,750.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,755.16.
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since November 16, 2021. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1), issued November 17, 2021.