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 PH A uNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION Case No. 08-142-GA Notice Issued: February 10, 2009
Wendy J. Maxfield, P 40046, Davison, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #1. 1. Suspension - 15 Months 2. Effective January 31, 2009 Respondent did not appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent, in a paternity action, failed to refund a $500.00 fee despite repeated requests by her client. In a child custody matter, respondent failed to properly represent her client; failed to return her client's documents; and failed to return a $1,500.00 retainer. In a divorce action, respondent failed to return a $500.00 retainer; and made false statements to the Grievance Administrator's office concerning the status of the $500.00 retainer. Finally, respondent failed to file an answer to the request for investigation served upon her by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1; 1.1 (a); 1.1 (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(b)(3); 1.16(d); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 15 months and that she pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $2,500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,915.70.
Dated.
February 10, 2009 -------