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 ADMIN/STRA TOR JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 13-140-GA Notice Issued: June 26, 2014
Matthew C. Shepard, P 71547, Troy, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #74. 1. Suspension - 3 Years 2. Effective june 26, 20141
The panel issued an order of interim suspension of respondent's license, effective April 28, 2014, based on his failure to appear at a hearing scheduled for April 21,2014. 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 panel found that he had committed professional misconduct. Specifically, 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 the matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to a client to the extent necessary for the client 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); and failed to respond to a lawful demand for information by a
disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(b) and (c), and MCR 9.104(2)-(4).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for three years and that he pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,893.92.
Mark A. Armitage JUN 26 21M Dated: ________
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) issued April 28, 2014.