MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KJENBAUM 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
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 07-63-GA Notice Issued: October 19,2009 Robert L. Wiggins, Jr., P 32359, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #62.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective May 16, 2009 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint and appeared at the hearing. The panel found that respondent failed to provide competent representation; brought a proceeding without a good faith basis for doing so that was not frivolous; charged or collected a clearly excessive fee; failed to take reasonable steps to protect a client's interests upon termination by surrendering the client file; failed to refund the unearned fee upon termination of the representation; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; and conducted himself such that he exposed the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach. Respondent's conduct was in violation MCR 9.104(A)(1) and (2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (a); 1.5(a); 1.16(d); 3.1; and 8.4(c).
The panel ordered the respondent's license to practice law be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $22,689.99. The panel also imposed conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Respondent filed a petition for review and request for stay of discipline, payment of restitution, and payment of costs.
On May 13, 2009, the Attorney Discipline Board denied respondent's request for a stay of discipline and payment of restitution, but granted his request for a stay regarding the payment of costs. The Board affirmed the hearing panel's order of suspension with restitution and conditions in an order issued August 6,2009. Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, which was denied on October 25,2009. Total costs were assessed in the amount of 4,452.39.
Dated:
OCT 19 2009