MEMBERS JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
CHAIRPERSON CRAIG H. LUBBEN
VICE· CHAIRPERSON SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D. SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER BEEK 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 ADMINISTRA TOR JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 14-35-GA Notice Issued: September 17,2014
Jennifer M. McCleary, P 63575, Almont, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #3.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective September 12, 2014 Respondent did not appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for her failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent, in a bankruptcy matter, neglected the matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of the client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MPRC 1.3; failed to keep her client reasonably informed of the status of the matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to a client to the extent necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to refund the unearned portion of an advance fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); and failed to answer a request for investigation in conformity with MCR 9.113, MCR 9.115(D), and MCR 9. 104(7). The panel also found that respondent 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 she pay restitution in the amount of $1,806.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,729.62.
~a~ Mark A. Armitage
Dated: SEP t 7 2014