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
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WESTFORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF REPRIMAND WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 06-98-GA Notice Issued: January 28, 2008 Judith H. Zock, P 49590, Allegan, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, vacating Allegan County Hearing Panel #1's order of suspension, and decreasing discipline to a reprimand with conditions.
1. 2. 3.
Reprimand Probation - 2 Years Effective January 18, 2008
The respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for her failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent neglected and abandoned a legal matter entrusted to her; failed to provide competent representation; failed to seek the lawful objectives of her client through reasonably available means permitted by law; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep her client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain the matter to the client to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make an informed decision regarding the representation; failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite the litigation consistent with the client's interest; failed to cooperate during the course of the disciplinary investigation; and failed to provide a timely answer to the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was in violation 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 (a) and (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 3.2; 8.1 (a)(2) and 8.4(a) and (c)
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 30 days. The respondent filed a timely petition for review and discipline was automatically stayed. The Attorney Discipline Board vacated the hearing panel's order of suspension and reduced discipline to a reprimand. The Board also added conditions which included a two year probationary period. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,028.60.
Dated:
JAN %8 2008
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