MEMBERS JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. CHAIRPERSON CRAIG H. LUBBEN VICE-CHAIFlPEFlSON SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D.
SECFlETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER SEEK LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL
DULCE M. FULLER LOUANN VAN DER WIELE
MICHAEL MURRAY
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 ADMINISTRATOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER
JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (Pending Appeal)
Case No. 14-39-GA Notice Issued: August 26,2014 Matthew Charles Justice, P 71390, Plainwell, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Allegan County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective August 21,2014 Respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the hearing panel found that respond neglected two client matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing two clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep two clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the clients to make informed decisions about the representations in two matters, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); collected an excessive or illegal fee in one matter, in violation of MRPC 1.5(a); failed to promptly payor deliver funds that one of his clients was entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b); brought or defended a proceeding, or asserted or controverted an issue therein, unless there was a basis for doing so that was not frivolous, in violation of MRPC 3.1; knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal in three matters. in violation of MRPC 3.4(c); failed to respond to the lawful demands of the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); failed to answer three requests for investigation, in violation of MeR 9.104(7), MeR 9.113(A), and MeR 9.113(B)(2); and engaged in conduct which involved dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b). Respondent was also found to have violated MRPC 8.4(a) and (c), and MCR 9.104(1)-(4).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $4,411.00. Respondent filed a petition for review and motion for a stay of discipline. On August 22,2014, the Attorney Discipline Board denied respondent's motion for stay and modified the order of discipline as to the payment of costs and restitut a ion. This matter will be scheduled for hearing before the Attorney Discipline Board. ~QMark A. Armae .; 26Z114 Dated: