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 (By Consent)
Case No. 13-75-GA Notice Issued: January 9, 2014
Ray E. Richards, II, P 56972, Royal Oak, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #58.
1. Suspension - 30 Days 2. Effective January 3, 2014 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. Based on respondent's plea of no contest, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected his clients' legal matters, in violation of M RPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain the client's matter to the extent necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); and failed to refund the unearned portion of an advance fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d). The panel also found the respondent violated MRPC8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(2)-(4).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 30 days. The panel also ordered that respondent pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $5,375.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $768.87.
/~o~ Mark A. Armitage JAN ... 9 2014 Dated: _________________