MEMBERS THOMAS G. KIENBAUM
CHAIRPERSON JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. VICE-CHAIRPERSON SYLVIA P. WHITMER, PhD. 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 PHvNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 12-78-JC; 12-79-GA Notice Issued: December 13,2012
Jeanine M. Ackerman, P 52387, Garden City, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #7.
1. Suspension - One Year 2. Effective December 11, 2012 1 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 panel found that she knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c); failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from the Michigan Supreme Court, in violation of
MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); failed to report her conviction, in violation of MCR 9.120(A) and (B); and failed to answer a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) (formerly MCR 9.1 04(A)(7)) and MCR 9.1139(A) and (B)(2). Additionally, in a divorce matter, respondent was found to have neglected her client's matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (a); failed to seek the lawful objectives of her client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); lacked diligence, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to
communicate with her client, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain the proceedings to her client, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to withdraw her representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(a)(1); failed to protect her client's interests at the time the representation had concluded, in
violation of MRPC 1.16(d); exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2) (formerly MCR 9. 10 4(A)(2)); violated the standards or rules of professional responsibility adopted by the Supreme Court, contrary to MCR
9.104(4) (formerly MCR 9.1 04(A)(4)); and violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a). Finally, with respect to the judgment of sentence entered in the 16th District Court, the panel found that respondent had been convicted of driving while visibly impaired and breach of peace, a violation of MCR 9.104(5).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for one year. The panel also ordered that respondent shall pay restitution in the amount of $500.00 and be subject to a condition relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,704.95.
Dated: _______
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since August 27,2009. Please see Notice of Suspension issued August 27, 2009.