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 DETROI1t MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 12-126-GA Notice Issued: March 26, 2013
Michael H. Twiss, P 43422, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #64.
1. Disbarment 2. Effective March 26, 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 six legal matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of one of his clients through all available means, in violation of MRPC 1.2; failed to act
with reasonable diligence and promptness in dealing with six clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and comply with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); presented a check from his IOLT A account without sufficient funds, in violation of MRPC 1.15(a); failed to promptly payor deliver funds in his possession intended for a third party, in violation of MRPC 1.1 5(b)(3); failed to hold property of three clients separate from his own property and failed to safeguard client property, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); failed to return an unearned attorney fee and other funds
paid in advance to five clients upon termination ofthe representation, in violation of M RPC 1.16(d); knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in
violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a); engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law where such conduct reflects adversely on the
lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); engaged in conduct exposing the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, and good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3); engaged in conduct that violates a criminal law of a state or of the United States, in violation of MCR 9.104(5); and failed to answer five requests for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B).
The panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice law in Michigan and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $ 21,202.75. Costs were assessed in the amount of $ 2,463.40.
MAR 26 2013 Dated: _______