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 Case No. 11-58-GA Notice Issued: August 24, 2012 Rochelle J. Thompson, P 65997, Flint, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 37 Months 2. Effective September 14, 2011 1 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint and appeared at the hearing. Based on the testimony and exhibits presented, the panel found that respondent had committed professional misconduct in a divorce matter when she neglected her client's matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to communicate with her client regarding the status of her legal matter and to respond to her client's inquiries, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit her client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation ofMRPC 8.4(a); engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, contrary to MRPC 8.4(b); prejudiced the proper administration of justice, contrary to MCR 9.104(A)(1); exposed the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, contrary to MCR 9.1 04(A)(2); engaged in conduct that was contrary to justice, ethics, honesty or good morals, in violation of MCR 9. 10 4(A)(3); and violated the . standards or rules of p·rofessional responsibility adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court, contrary to MCR 9.104(A)(4).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be suspended for 37 months, to run concurrently with the suspension ordered in Grievance Administrator v Rochelle J. Thompson, Case No. 09-80-GA. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,985.34.
Dated:
AUG 24 2012
1Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since September 14,2011. Please see Notice of SuspenSion, issued September 22,2011.