MEMBERS JONATHAN E. LAUDERBACH CHAIRPERSON MICHAEL B. RIZIK, JR. VICE-CHAIRPERSON BARBARA WILLIAMS FORNEY SECRETARY JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN
KAREN D. O’DONOGHUE LINDA S. HOTCHKISS, MD MICHAEL S. HOHAUSER PETER A. SMIT
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
333 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1700
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR — KAREN M. DALEY ASSOCIATE COUNSEL — SHERRY MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR —
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER — JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY —
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3147
PHONE: 313-963-5553
www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case No. 20-52-GA Notice Issued: September 10, 2020 Martin W. Buschle, P 39819, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #3.
Suspension - 180 Days, Effective September 3, 2020 Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. The stipulation contained respondent’s admissions to the allegations that he committed acts of professional misconduct by revealing client confidences to a third party.
Based upon respondent’s admissions and the stipulation of the parties, the panel found that respondent knowingly revealed a confidence or secret of a client, in violation of MRPC 1.6(b)(1); knowingly used a confidence or secret of a client to the disadvantage of a client, in violation of MRPC 1.6(b)(2); knowingly used a confidence or secret of a client for the advantage of the lawyer or of a third person, without client consent and full disclosure, in violation of MRPC 1.6(b)(3); used information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage of the client, in violation of MRPC 1.8(b); and, engaged in conduct involving dishonesty and deceit, which reflects adversely on respondent’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b). The panel also found that respondent violated MCR 9.104(2), MCR 9.104(3), and MRPC 8.4(a).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,212.44.
/s/ Mark A. Armitage Executive Director