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 DERWIELE
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 DETROI1t MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHvNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 13-28-GA Notice Issued: July 8,2013 Nancy Bates Rickel, P 41772, Anchorville, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board St. Clair Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective July 6, 2013 Respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for her failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable
diligence and promptness on behalf of her client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep her client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed 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); failed to take reasonable steps to protect her client's interests upon termination of the representation, 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; failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); made a knowing misrepresentation of facts or circumstances surrounding a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(6); and failed to answer a request for investigation or complaint in conformity
with MCR 9.113 and MCR 9.115(0), in violation of MCR 9.104(7). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.1 (a)-(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. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,009.47.
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