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. 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. 08-141-GA Notice Issued: December 4,2009 Joel S. Gehrke, P 39871, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #4.
1. Suspension - 90 Days 2. Effective August 31, 2009 1 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 had neglected a legal matter entrusted to him by his client; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; . failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the 'status of a matter and to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and failed to communicate to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of Michigan Rules of Professional 'Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; and 1.4(a) and (b). The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 90 days, retroactive to August 31, 2009. The panel further ordered that respondent pay restitution in the amount of $210.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $6,243.21.
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1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since November 6,2007. Please see Final Notice of Suspension and Restitution issued November 10, 2008.
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