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 (By Consent)
Case No. 10-108-GA Notice Issued: January 26,2012 Keith T. Murphy, P 29864, Clarkston, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #52.
1. Suspension - One Year 2. Effective January 2, 2012 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5) which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. Respondent pleaded no contest to the allegations that, in six matters, he failed to provide competent representation to his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.1; neglected the legal matters entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with diligence and promptness in representing his clients, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to his clients to the extent reasonably necessary to permit them to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1 4(b); failed to promptly notify his clients of receipt of funds in which they had an interest, in violation of MRPC 1 15(b)(1); failed to promptly payor deliver funds which his clients are entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(3); failed to hold client funds separate from the lawyer's own property, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); failed to refund any unearned portion of an advance fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MCR9 104(A)(1) and 8.4(c); engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8 4(b); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession orthe 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 9 104(A)(3); and violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9. 10 4(A)(4).
Based upon the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for one year and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $17,700.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,886.23.
Dated: JAN 26 ~