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 DETROI"L MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 11-38-GA Notice Issued: July 10, 2012
Nathan S. French, P 55531, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #65.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective July 7,2012 1 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint, but only appeared at one of the public hearings. Based on a preponderance of the evidence presented, the hearing panel found that respondent, in an action for personal injury protection benefits, failed to promptly notify a third
person when funds or property in which a third person has an interest has been received, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(1); failed to promptly payor deliver any funds or other property that the
third person is entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(3); failed upon request of a third person to promptly render an accounting of funds which the third person is entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(3); communicated about the subject of the representation with a party whom the lawyer knew to be represented in the matter by another lawyer, without the lawyer's consent or authorization to do so, in violation of MRPC 4.2; used means which have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, in violation of MRPC 4.4; engaged in conduct that is a violation of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.1 04(A)(4); engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(A)(1); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9. 10 4(A)(2); and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, in violation of MCT 9.1 04(A)(3).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $4,595.82. The panel also ordered that respondent shall be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,277.86.
Dated: JULIO 2012
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since June 7,2012. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1) issued June 8, 2012.