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
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOlT EXECUTIVE DIREGOR
MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAJ..A5SISTAJo.IT
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. 06-66-GA Notice Issued: October 17, 2007 John D. Baker, P 33120, Adrian, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, vacating Jackson County Hearing Panel's order of reprimand and increasing discipline to a 30 day suspension.
1. Suspension - 30 Days 2. Effective October 10, 2007 The respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent neglected a personal injury matter; failed to seek the lawful objectives of his client; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter; 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; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; and failed to answer a request for investigation served upon him by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 3.2; 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c). The panel ordered that respondent be reprimanded.
The Grievance Administrator filed a timely petition for review which was heard by the Attorney Discipline Board. On September 11, 2007, the Board issued its order vacating the hearing panel's order of reprimand and imposing a 30 day suspension of respondent's license to practice law in Michigan. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,224.37.
Dated:
OCT 171001
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