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 ADMINISTRATOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL
KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 13-1 09-GA Notice Issued: March 14, 2014
Robert Joseph Payne, P 69779, Lansing, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline 80ard Ingham County Hearing Panel #4.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective March 12,2014 Respondent did not appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. 8ased on respondent's default, and the evidence submitted, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek his client's 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 client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to adequately communicate with his client, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) and (b); failed to refund an unearned fee and documents belonging to his client upon termination of the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); knowingly failed to respond to lawful demands for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); and failed to timely answer a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.1 13(8)(2). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a) and (c) and MCR 9.104(1 )-(4).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,855.61.
-~Gtk...--' Mark A. Armitage
Dated: _M_AR_ 1_ It _-_-__
---- ----
----