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 WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 13-125-GA Notice Issued: May 16, 2014
Clifford Woodards, II, P 60661, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #61.
1. Suspension - 90 Days 2. Effective May 16, 2014 Respondent was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint, but he did appear at the hearing. Based on respondent's default, the panel found that respondent neglected two matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek his clients' lawful objectives through reasonably available means permitted by law, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; and failed to adequately communicate with his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) and (b). In one of those cases, respondent failed to promptly render a full accounting of the money paid to him, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(3); failed to deposit a fee and costs paid in advance of services rendered into a client trust account, in violation of MRPC 1.15(g); failed to refund the advance payment of the fee and costs upon termination of the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); and, knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c). Further, respondent was found to have failed to answer three requests for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7), MCR 9.113(A) and MCR 9.1 13(B)(2), and knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2). Finally, 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 90 days and that he be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,749.66.
Mark A. Armitage Dated: _NA_Y_'_6_28_14_'_