MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MATTHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. ANDREA L. SOLAK ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
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. 08-151-GA Notice Issued: July 10,2009
Ada R. Montgomery, P 41108, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #57.
1. Suspension - 24 Months 2. Effective July 1, 2009 Respondent was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to her; failed to keep her client reasonably informed about the status of her matter; failed to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; failed to communicate with her client to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her client; charged and collected an excessive or illegal fee; failed to communicate with her client regarding the basis or rate of her fees; failed to return an advance payment of a fee that had not been earned; misappropriated client funds; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; and failed to preserve complete records of client funds for a period of five years after termination of the representation.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.3; 1 .4(a) and (b); 1.5(a) and (b); 1.15(b)(2); 1.16(d); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be suspended for 24 months and that she pay restitution in the amount of $17,500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $3,599.42.
John F. Van Bolt JUL 102009 Dated: -----------