MEMBERS WIlliAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE·CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM l. MATTHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY ANDREA l. SOLAK ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. 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 DIRECTOR MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETIY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT.. ... MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF REVOCATION Case No. 10-17- GA Notice Issued: August 3, 2010
James C. Steffl, P 36537, Farmington Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #77.
1 . Revocation 2. Effective July 30, 20101 The respondent did not appear at the public hearing, and was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent deposited personal funds into his IOlT A account and misused or misappropriated funds from his IOlTA account for his personal or business use; misappropriated client funds; failed to promptly notify third persons when funds in which the third persons had an interest were received; failed to inform his client of a settlement offer and failed to obtain his client's consent before entering into a settlement agreement; forged his client's name to a check; and filed to answer requests for investigation and a formal complaint, 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); as well as Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.4(a) and (b); 1.15(a)(3); 1.15(b)(1) and (3); 1.15(d); 3.4(c); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be revoked and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $156,281.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of$1,719.3.
Dated: AUG - 3 2010
1 Respondent hasbeen continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since May 30, 2008. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution issued June 2,2008.