MEMBERS THOMAS G. KIENBAUM CHAIRPERSON JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. VICE-CHAIRPERSON SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D.
SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL
DULCE M. FULLER LOUANN VAN DER WIELE
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (By Consent)
Case No. 13-70-GA Notice Issued: September 18, 2013 Rochelle J. Thompson, P 65997, Lapeer, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #2.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective September 12, 20131 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 panel finds that respondent committed professional misconduct by neglecting her client's legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failing to communicate with her client regarding the status of his legal matter and to respond to her client's inquiries, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failing to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit her client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); and failing to refund the advance payment of fee that is unearned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a) and (b) and MCR 9.104(1)-(4).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be suspended for 180 days. Respondent also paid restitution in the amount of $750.00. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $774.92.
J!jtt/fd!a~{idmrk,/ f;tw wiW1~ Dated: SEP 18 3)13
1Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since September 14, 2011. Please see Notice of Suspension, issued September 22, 2011.