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 DETROI"L. MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 13-9-GA Notice Issued: September 4,2013
Michael D. Jones, P 66578, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #4.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective July 5,20131 Respondent appeared at the first of two public hearings, but was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected legal matters entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain matters to the extent reasonably necessary to permit his clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness
in representing his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of his clients, in violation of MRPC 3.2; knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c); and failed to withdraw from the representation, in violation of MCR 2.117(C)(2). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(1)-(4).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Respondent filed a delayed petition for review which was denied by the Attorney Discipline Board on August 5, 2013. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,268.69.
SEP -4 3)13 Dated: ________
1 Respondent has been administratively suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since February 2012 for failure to pay bar dues.