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 SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION (By Consent)
Case No. 11-57 -GA Notice Issued: January 27, 2012 Vanessa E. Vazquez, P 73040, Holland, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Allegan County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 179 Days 2. Effective January 27,2012 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5). The stipulation was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and was accepted by the hearing panel. The stipulation contains respondent's plea of no contest to the allegations when she abandoned six legal matters by neglecting the matters, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failing to seek the clients' lawful objectives through reasonably available means permitted by law, in violation ofMRPC 1.2(a); failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness regarding the representations, in violation of 1.3; failing to adequately communicate with her clients, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) and (b); violating or attempting to violate the Rules of Professional· Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a); engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1) and MRPC 8.4(c); engaging in conduct that exposes the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2); engaging in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(3); and engaging in conduct that violates the standard or rules of professional responsibility adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court, in violation fo MCR 9.104(A)(4). Additionally, in two of these matters, respondent was alleged to have failed to properly withdraw from these matters and to have knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 1.16(b) and (c) and MRPC 3.4(c). In three of the six matters, respondent was also alleged to have failed to refund an unearned fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d). Finally, respondent was alleged to have failed to answer six requests for investigation served upon her by the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(7), MCR 9.113(A) and (8)(2).
Pursuant to the agreement of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 179 days and be subject to a condition relevant to the alleged misconduct. Respondent was also ordered to pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1 ,400.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $797.75.
Dated: _________