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. 13-118-GA Notice Issued: June 24,2014
Susan L. West, P 56340, Farmington Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #53.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective June 20, 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 her default, the panel found that respondent, in a probate matter, neglected the matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable
diligence and promptness in representing her client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep her client reasonably informed about the status of her matter and failed to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to refund any advance payment of fees that have not been earned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of her client, in violation of MRPC 3.2; 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 violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (8)(2). Respondent was also found to have violated MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(1 )-(4).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be suspended for 180 days and that she pay restitution in the amount of $10,741.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,661.54.
Mark A. Armitage
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