MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE-CHAIRPERSON ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D.
SECRETARY WILLIAM L. MATTHEWS ANDREA L. SOlAK CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN
JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIREGOR MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIREGOR JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 10-111-GA Notice Issued: February 4, 2011 Richard D. Zaharie, P 32852, Jackson, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Calhoun County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - Two Years 2. Effective February 3, 2011 --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 panel found that respondent, in three matters, failed to refund any advance payment of fees that had not been earned; neglected four legal matters; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; and failed to answer a request for investigation served upon him by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1.(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.16(d); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered the respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for two years and pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1 ,900.00. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1,689.45.
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