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 DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 11-73-GA Notice Issued: May 31, 2012 Ronald G. Kraft, P 16196, Farmington Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming Tri-County Hearing Panel #53's order of disbarment and restitution.
1. Disbarred 2. Effective September 14, 2011 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, in a slip and fall matter, failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of her matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to communicate with his client to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to notify his client and a third party when funds in which they had an interest were received, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(1); failed to promptly pay funds that his client was entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC1.15(b)(3); failed to hold property of his client and a third person separate from his own property, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); failed to respond to a lawful demand for information by the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); engaged in conduct which violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, contrary to MRPC 8.4(a); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1) and MRPC 8.4(c); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2); engaged in conduct contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(3); and, failed to answer the request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(7) and MeR 9.113(A).
The panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan and that he pay restitution in the amount of $55,478.00. The respondent filed a petition for review, and, on March 23, 2012, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel's order of disbarment and restitution. Respondent filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the Board on May 2, 2012. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1,834.92.
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1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since February 21, 2008. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution (Pending Appeal) issued February 26, 2008.
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