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 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 12-86-GA Notice Issued: January 16, 2013 Joseph D. Bartkus, P 59698, Wyoming, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #5.
1 . Disbarment 2. Effective June 14, 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 hearing panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct by neglecting legal matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1( c) ; failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness on his clients behalf, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failing to keep his clients reasonably informed regarding the status of their legal matters and respond promptly to reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failing to refund unearned attorney fees paid in advance, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or a violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyers honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); engaging in conduct that exposes the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, and/or reproach, in violation of MCR 9,104(2); and, engaging in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).
The panel also found that respondent failed to answer requests for investigation filed by three separate clients, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B); and failed to respond to a lawful demand of a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1( a)(2).
The panel ordered respondent's disbarment from the practice law in Michigan, to run concurrently with the disbarment ordered in Grievance Administrator v Joseph D. Bartkus, Case No. 12-19-GA. The panel further ordered that respondent pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $ 1,350.00. Costs were assessed in the amount.of $ 1,832.88.
John F. Van Bolt Dated:_ _J-'- A=..;:N'--"1;;:.....6;~20..1......g _ _
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since June 14, 2012. Please see Notice of Disbarment and Restitution issued June 14, 2012.