MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MAITHEWS, 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 (Pending Appeal)
Case No. 08-62-GA Notice Issued: November 2, 2009 Dennis Mitchenor, P 30029, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #12.
1. Suspension - Two Years and Six Months 2. Effective October 31,2009 Respondent was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to the formal complaint, but he did appear at the hearing. Based on respondent's default, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him; fai"led to seek the lawful objectives of a client through reasonably available means; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of his matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation; failed to promptly notify the client or third person when funds or property in which a client or third person has an interest is received; failed to promptly payor deliver any funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive; failed to hold property of clients or third persons in connection with a representation separate from the lawyer's own property; upon termination of representation, failed to take reasonable steps to protect a client's interests, such as refunding any advance payment of fee that has not been earned; solicited professional employment from a prospective client with whom the lawyer has no family or prior professional relationship when a significant motive for the lawyer's doing so is the lawyer's pecuniary gain; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; and failed to answer a request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was in violation MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113; MeR 9.115(0); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.15(b)(1) and (3); 1.15(d);1.16(d); 7.3; 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered the respondent's license to practice law be suspended for two years and six months. The Grievance Administrator filed a timely petition for review seeking increased disciplin T e m tter ill be scheduled for hearing before the Attorney Discipline Board.
Dated:
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