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
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION
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
Case No. 09-46-GA Notice Issued: October 15,2012
Valerie Colbert-Osamuede, P 42506, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, increasing Tri-County Hearing Panel #6's 30 day suspension to an 18 month suspension.
1. Suspension - 18 Months 2. Effective April 26,20121 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint and appeared at the hearings. Based on the testimony and exhibits presented, the panel found that respondent made a false statement of material fact to a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a)(1); knowingly made a false statement of material fact in her sworn statement, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(1); failed to disclose a material fact t6 a tribunal when disclosure was necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by the client, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a)(2); failed to take reasonable remedial measures, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a); unlawfully obstructed another party's access to evidence, in violation of MRPC 3.4(a); knowingly made a false statement of material fact or law to a third person, in violation of MRPC 4.1; failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice, in violation of MRPC 2.1; and failed to seek the lawful objectives of her client through reasonably available means permitted by law and the rules, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a). Additionally, respondent's representation of the people of the City of Detroit, the Council, and the Office of Mayor, were directly adverse to Mayor Kilpatrick as an individual, and no reasonable belief could exist that the representation would not adversely affect the relationship with the other client, contrary to MRPC 1.7(a).
Finally, the panel found that respondent violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assisted or induced another to do so, or did so through the acts of another, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a); prejudiced the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1) and MRPC 8.4(c); exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(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 involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, such that her conduct reflected adversely on her honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b).
1Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since April 26, 2012.
October 15,2012
STATE OF MICHIGAN. ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
Page 2
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 90 days. The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review and, upon review, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline from a suspension of 90 days to a suspension of 18 months. Respondent filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the Board on September 12, 2012. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $22,633.40.