MEMBERS THOMAS G. KIENBAUM
CHAIRPERSON JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D.
SECRETARY CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D 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 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 12-75-GA Notice Issued: November 7,2012 William A. Godfrey, P 72922, Walled Lake, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #59.
1. Disbarred 2. Effective November 2, 2012 Respondent failed to appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based upon his default, the hearing panel found that respondent, in eight legal matters, neglected the matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed
of the status of their matters, in violation of 1.4(a); failed to explain matters to his clients to the extent necessary to permit them to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in
violation of MRPC 1.4(b); and, failed to file answers to requests for investigation served upon him by the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and MRPC
8.1 (a)(2). In one of those matters, respondent made a false statement of material fact to a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a)(1).
Additionally, the panel found that respondent's conduct involved dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness,
or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); violated the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4); was prejudicial to the administration of justice; in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1); exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); and was contrary to
justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan and pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1,400.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,762.37.
Dated:
NOV . -
7 2012