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 DETROI1. MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 13-24-GA Notice Issu~d: July 5, 2013 John Geoffrey Lahn, P 62724, Saline, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #3.
1. Disbarred 2. Effective July 5, 2013 Respondent did not appear at the hearing and 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, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep 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 clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation,
in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to "account for client funds, as well as commingled and/or misappropriated client funds," in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(2)-(3), (c) and (d); failed to take reasonable steps to protect his clients' interests, surrender client documents, and refund any unearned fees upon termination of representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); offered evidence
he knew to be false, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a)(3) ; failed to answer requests for investigation or complaints in conformity with MCR 9.113 and MCR 9.115(0), in violation of MCR 9.104(7); failed to respond to lawful demands for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); and knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c). Additionally, the panel found that respondent also violated MRPC 8.4(a)-(c); and MCR
9.1 04(A)(1 )-(5).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $98,642.60. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,337.46.
1a~g9~ Dated: JUl - 6 201a
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