MEMBERS LORI McALLISTER CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM J. DANHOF VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MATIHEWS, CPA SECRETARY GEORGE H. LENNON BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. HON. RICHARD F. SUHRHEINRICH
ANDREA L. SOLAK THOMAS G. KIENBAUM EILEEN LAPPIN WEISER
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 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 07-38-GA Notice Issued: February 27,2008 James T. Macauley, P 31373, Lansing, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming Ingham County Hearing Panel #7's order of suspension.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective November 26, 2007 The hearing panel found that respondent, in a probate matter, handled the matter without preparation adequate in the circumstances; neglected the matter; failed to seek the lawful objectives of his client; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the matter and to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions about the representation; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach; and engaged in conduct contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.140(A)(1 )-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (b) and (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); and 8.4(a)-(c). The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days.
The respondent filed a petition for review, along with a request for a stay of the discipline which was scheduled to commence on September 27, 2007. The Attorney Discipline Board granted a temporary 60 day stay of discipline and ord"ered that respondent's suspension would not go into effect until November 26, 2007.
Upon review, the Attorney Discipline Board issued its order on January 29, 2008 affirming the hearing panel's order of a 180 day suspension of respondent's license. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1,953.98.
Dated: FEB 27 2008 -------