MEMBERS WILLIAM P. HAMPTON CHAIRPERSON LORI McALLISTER VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MATTHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY REV. IRA COMBS, JR. GEORGE H. LENNON BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. HON. RICHARD F. SUHRHEINRICH WILLIAM J. DANHOF ANDREA L. SOLAK
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL I\SSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553
FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 07-15-GA Notice Issued: August 10, 2007 Brian J. Gault, P 66051, La Salle, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #4. 1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective August 2, 200]1 The respondent failed to appear at the hearing and 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, in a divorce matter, abandoned the matter; failed to promptly deliver the unearned legal fee upon his client's request; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty and misrepresentation by telling his client that pleadings had been filed when they were not, that service of the complaint had not been made due to the court clerk misfiling the pleadings; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice; and engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession and the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach.
Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1) and (2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (c); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(b).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $300.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1 ,834.64.
Dated: AUG 10 2007 --------
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since December 29, 2006. See Notice of Automatic Suspension for Non-Payment of Costs, issued January 3, 2007.