MEMBERS LORI McALLISTER
CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM J. DANHOF VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MATTHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY GEORGE H. LENNON BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. HON. RICHARD F. SUHRHEINRICH ANDREA L. SOLAK
THOMAS G. KIENBAUM EILEEN LAPPIN WEISER
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIREGOR
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 WITH CONDITION (By Consent)
Case No. 07-78-GA Notice Issued: January 18, 2008 John F. Mertz, P 25200, Lansing, Michigan by the Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 60 Days 2. Effective January 17, 2008 The respondent and Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), containing respondent's plea of no contest to the allegations that he neglected a legal matter; failed to seek the lawful objectives of a client; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of a matter; failed to refund an unearned fee; failed to return client property; 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; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals; and failed to answer a request for investigation.
Respondent was charged with violations of Michigan Court Rules 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(4) and (7); 9.113(A) and (B)(2) and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.16(d); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel, pursuant to the agreement of the parties, ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 60 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $8,500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $855.91.
John F. Van Bolt
Dated:
JA-N182008
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