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 DETROl1 MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION Case Nos. 13-26-GA; 13-27 -JC Notice Issued: September 18,2013
Edward L. Johnson, P 54646, Birmingham, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #59.
1. Suspension - Three Years 2. Effective October 24,20121 Respondent appeared at the first of two public hearings, but was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to Formal Complaint 13-26-GA. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and failed to comply promptly with
reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit a client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to refund an unearned fee upon termination of representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of a client, in violation of MRPC 3.2; and knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c). The panel also found that respondent violated MRPC 8.4(a)-(c), and MCR 9.104(1 )-(4) and (6).
With respect to Case No. 13-27- JC, the panel found that respondent had been convicted of criminal contempt, a misdemeanor in violation of MCl 600.1711, contrary to MCR 9.104(5).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for three years, to run concurrent to the 180-day suspension ordered in Grievance Administrator v Edward L. Johnson, Case No. 12-31-RD. The panel further ordered respondent to pay restitution in the amount of $1,826.01. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,311.98.
11fA:~!g~~/~~ S£P 18 J)13 Dated: _______
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since October 24, 2012. Please see Notice of Suspension (Pending Appeal) issued October 29, 2012.