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 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 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 WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 13-88-GA Notice Issued: February 25, 2014
Francis N. Soave, P 41167, St. Clair, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board St. Clair County Hearing Panel #1.
1. 2.
Suspension - One Year Effective February 22,20141
The panel issued an order of interim suspension of respondent's license, effective October 3, 2013, based on his failure to appear at a hearing scheduled for September 24, 2013.
Respondent appeared at the subsequent hearing, but was 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 respondent neglected three legal matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with diligence in his representation of three
clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed regarding the status of their matters and reply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC
1.4(a); failed to return an unearned attorney fee paid in advance in two matters, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); and failed to answer four requests for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.1 13(A) and (B). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR
9.104(2)-(4).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for one year, to run consecutive to the previously ordered interim suspension. The panel also ordered that respondent pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1,950.00 and be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,110.79.
~t)~ Mark A. Armitage FEB 2 5 Z014 Dated: ________
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since October 3, 2013. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H) issued October 8, 2013.