MEMBERS WIlliAM J. DANHOF CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE·CHAlRPERSON 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. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WESTFORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION Case No. 09-91-GA Notice Issued: March 12,2010 Mark E. Ross, P 50988, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #52.
1 . Suspension - 2 Years and 11 Months 2. Effective March 12,20101 The respondent filed an answer admitting the allegations of professional misconduct and appeared at the public hearing. Based on respondent's admissions, the hearing panel found that respondent, in three cases, neglected the legal matters; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; and failed to explain the matters to the extent reasonably necessary to permit his clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation. In two of those matters, respondent failed to take reasonable steps to protect his clients' interests and surrender papers to which his clients were entitled upon termination of representation; and in one matter, he failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation. Finally, respondent failed to notify his clients of his license suspension within seven days of the effective date of the order of suspension; failed to notify a tribunal and parties involved in pending litigation of his license suspension by the effective date of the order of suspension; and failed to file proof of compliance with MCR 9.119 within 14 days of the effective date of his order of suspension.
The panel found that respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1 )-(4); MCR 9.119(A)-(C); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for two years and eleven months and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $6,990.00. The panel also imposed a condition relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assess d in the total amount of $2,893.39.
Dated:
MAR 122010
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since November 28, 2007. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution With Conditions, issued November 28, 2007.