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. CARLE. 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
WW'N.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 07-82-GA Notice Issued: January 9, 2009 Steven L. Weiss, P 27340, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #55.
1. Suspension - 90 Days 2. Effective December 20,2008 Respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on the default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a client matter; failed to act with reasonable diligence; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter; failed to hold property of clients or third persons in connection with a representation separate from the lawyers own property;. failed to refund an unearned fee; failed to file an answer to the request for investigation served upon him by the Grievance Administrator; failed to respond to further lawful demands for information from the Grievance Administrator; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyers honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer; engaged in conduct that is a violation of the Michigan Rules of Professional conduct; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial· to the administration of justice; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach; and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(4) and (7); MeR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(d) [formerly 1.15(c)]; 1.16(d); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 90 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $750.00. The panel also ordered that respondent be subject to certain conditions relevant to the established misconduct.
Respondent filed a petition for review a~d requested a stay of the discipline, which was granted. Upon review, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel's Order of Suspension and Restitution With Conditions. Respondent then filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the Attorney Discipline Board on November 21, 2008. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,808.41.
n Bolt January 9, 2009