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 DrRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 141Q DETROIT, MICHIGAN 4B226-3236 PHONE, 313-963-5553
FAX,313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No_ 09-79-GA Notice Issued: January 5, 2010 Ernest Laster, P 37396, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #82_
1. Suspension - 30 Days 2. Effective December 12, 2009 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint and appeared at the hearings. Based on the testimony and exhibits presented, the hearing panel found that respondent failed to keep his client reasonably informed; failed to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to withdraw from representation after being discharged by the client; failed to return the client's files; failed to refund the legal fees paid; engaged in representation of a client directly adverse to another client; engaged in representation of a client that was materially limited by responsibilities to another client, a third person, or the lawyer's own interests; and represented a person in the same or a substantially related matter when that client's interests were materially adverse to the interests of a former client.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(2) and (4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(a); 1.7(a) and (b); 1.9(a); 1.16(a)(3) and (d); and 8.4(a)_
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 30 days, effective December 12, 2009, and that he pay restitution in the amount of $1,600.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,258_13_
Dated: JAN - 5 2010