MEMBERS WILLIAM P. HAMPTON
CHf.JRPERSON LORI McALLISTER
V/CE-CHf.JRPERSON WILLIAM L. MAITHEWS, CPA SECRETAAY 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 DIREGOR
MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTflNT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PH6 NE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313ยท963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 03-18-GA Notice Issued: July 25, 2007
James C. Barnes, P 38522, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, vacating Tri-County Hearing Panel #59's order of reprimand and increasing discipline to a 90 day suspension.
1. Suspension - 90 Days 2. Effective June 28, 2007 The hearing panel found that respondent accepted a settlement contrary to his client's direction; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the case and failed to notify his client of the settlement; failed to explain the settlement and the execution of the release to his client; failed to notify his client of the funds he received after the purported settlement;
knowingly changed and executed the release on behalf of his client, which altered and changed his client's legal or equitable remedies. Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1 )-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(a); 1.4(b); 1.15(b); and 8.4(a).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be reprimanded and the Grievance Administrator filed a timely petition for review. Respondent subsequently filed a cross-petition for review and a motion for stay, which was granted by the Attorney Discipline Board. A review hearing was held and, on November 17, 2006, the Board issued its order vacating Tri-County Hearing Panel #59's order of reprimand and increasing discipline to a 90 day suspension of respondent's license to practice law in Michigan. Both parties filed applications for leave to appeal
with the Michigan Supreme Court, which were denied on June 6, 2007.
The Board issued a supplemental order of suspension on June 8, 2007, changing the effective date of respondent's 90 day suspension to June 28, 2007. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $4,855.22.
John F. Van Bolt JUt.!52Oft1 Dated: _