MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF CHAJRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE·CHAJRPERSON WILLIAM L MATIHEWS, 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. PEnY 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 WITH CONDITION (By Consent)
Case No. 09-113-GA Notice Issued: July 14, 2010 Lauren M. Underwood, P 45415, Bingham Farms, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #80.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective July 15, 2010 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), containing respondent's plea of no contest to the allegations that neglected her clients' legal matters; failed to seek the lawful objectives of her clients; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her clients; failed to communicate with her clients regarding the status of their legal matters and responding to her clients' requests for information; failed to communicate with her clients to the extent reasonably necessary for her clients to make informed decisions regarding the representation; provided financial assistance to her clients in connection with pending or contemplated litigation; knowingly revealed a confidence or secret of her clients; made knowing misrepresentations of facts or circumstance? surrounding a request for investigation; and knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2)-(4) and (7); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.6(b)(1); 1.8(e); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (b).
The parties agreed that respondent should be suspended for 180 days and be subject to a condition relevant to the alleged misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,826.51.
JohrfF Van Bolt :' / t/ ., IUL 14 2010 Dated: --G - ---------------