MEMBERS WIlliAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM l. MATIHEWS, 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 PH6 NE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 07-165-GA Notice Issued: April 21, 2009
Shelley Stasson, P 30259, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming Tri-County Hearing Panel #79's order of suspension. 1. Suspension - 4 Years 2. Effective December 18, 2008 The hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to her when she failed to file a Title V action for her client; failed to keep her client reasonably informed; and failed to provide an accounting of client funds upon request. Additionally, respondent failed to comply with directives from the Michigan Court of Appeals and she was sanctioned for permitting her appeal to appear on the involuntary dismissal docket.
The panel found, in three other matters, that respondent filed frivolous pleadings, resulting in the imposition of sanctions in two of those cases. The panel also found that respondent, on several occasions, failed to provide competent representation; failed to comply with the applicable court rules; failed to investigate the facts and law relative to her clients' potential claims; and failed
to articulate a coherent position on her clients' behalf.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of FRCP 11; MCR 2.114; MCR 9.1 04(A)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.15(b)(3); 3.1; 3.4(c); and 8.4(b).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license be suspended for four years and that she pay restitution in the aggregate amount of$29,178.88. The panel also ordered that respondent shall be subject to certain conditions relevant to the established misconduct.
Respondent filed a delayed petition for review and requested a stay of discipline and a stay on the payment of restitution and costs. The Attorney Discipline Board granted the delayed petition
for review and granted respondent's request for a stay regarding the payment of the restitution and the costs. However, the Board denied respondent's request for a stay of discipline and her suspension from the practice of law in Michigan is deemed to have gone into effect on December 18,2008.
On March 20, 2009, the Board issued an order affirming the hearing panel's order of suspension and restitution with conditions. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $4,477.56.
Dated: II'R0 212009
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