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
FINAL NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION Case No. 10-121-GA Notice Issued: January 17, 2012 Edward A. Schneider, P 30628, Dearborn, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline vacating Tri County Hearing Panel #15's order of suspension and increasing discipline to disbarment.
1. Disbarment 2. Effective August 13, 2011 1 Based on respondent's admissions, and the testimony and exhibits presented at the public hearings, the panel found that respondent had committed professional misconduct when he failed to promptly pay funds that his client was entitled to receive, and failed to promptly render a full accounting upon request by his client, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(3); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(b)(3); and 8.4(b) and (c).
The panel ordered the respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for two and a half years and that he pay restitution in the amount of $12,000.00.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review, seeking an increase in discipline, and respondent has filed a cross-petition for review, seeking a decrease in discipline.
Upon review, the Attorney Discipline Board found that respondent intentionally misappropriated his client's funds, and misrepresented the status of those funds by continuing to tell his client and successor counsel that the funds were being maintained in respondent's IOlTA
account. Based on these misrepresentations and the serious nature of such misconduct, the Board increased discipline from a suspension of two and a half years to respondent's disbarment from the practice of w in Michigan. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $3,610.92.
Dated: JAN 11 2I.H2
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since August 13, 2011. Please see Notice of Suspension (Pending Appeal) issued August 16, 2011.