MEMBERS THOMAS G. KIENBAUM CHAIRPERSON JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
VICE·CHAIRPERSON ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D.
SECRETARY ANDREA L. SOLAK CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL DULCE M. FULLER
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 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236
PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT Case Nos. 10-141-GA; 11-102-JC Notice Issued: I AugS1 22, 2012 Paul J. Rinaldi, P 41593, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri County Hearing Panel #61.
1. . Disbarment 2. Effective August 16, 2012' Although the hearing panel granted respondent's motion to set aside the default in this matter, respondent failed to appear at the public hearing. Based on the evidence submitted, the hearing panel found that respondent failed to hold money from clients or third persons separate from his own money, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); failed to refund a fee that had not been earned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); neglected a matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek his client's lawful objectives, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); charged and collected a clearly excessive fee, in violation of MRPC 1.5(a); and failed to answer three requests for investigation served upon him by the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and 9.113(B)(2). The panel also found that respondent violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.1 04(A)(1); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2); engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(3); and engaged in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional responsibility adopted by the Supreme Court, in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(4);
The panel ordered the respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,479.49.
Dated:_A_U_G_ 2_.. ~ 9__2'_·0'-1-2_. ___
, Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since November 30,2010. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution issued on December 14, 2010.