MEMBERS WILLIAM P. HAMPTON
CHAIRPERSON LORI McALLlSTER VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM L. MAlTHEWS, CPA SECRETARY REV. IRA COMBS, JR. GEORGE H. LENNON BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. HON. RICHARD F. SUHRHEINRICH
STATE OF MICHIGAN
ATTORNEDYI SCIPLINBEO ARD
21 1 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT MICHIGAN 48226-3236 P H ~ N E3:1 3 -963-5553 FAX: 31 3-963-5571
WILLIAM J. DANHOF ANDREA L. SOLAK
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS (By Consent) Case No. 06-54-GA Notice Issued: May 15,2007
Gregory S. Caton, P 31303, Farmington Hills, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #69. 1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective May 15, 2007 The respondent and Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.1 15(F)(5), containing respondent's plea of no contest to the allegations that he received unreasonable compensation for legal services rendered; entered into an agreement for, charged, and collected a clearly excessive fee; in his capacity as personal representative of the estate and with regard to attorney fees, failed to ensure that interested persons receive a notice pursuant to MCR 5.313(D) stating: (1) the anticipated frequency of payment, (2) that the person is entitled to a copy of each statement for services or costs upon request, (3) that the person may object to the fees at any time prior to allowance of fees by the court, and (4) that an objection may be made in writing or at a hearing and that a written objection must be filed with the court and a copy served on the personal representative or attorney; failed to assure compliance with MCR 5.313(E) before requesting and accepting periodic payments for services and costs without prior court approval; knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal by his failure to comply with the probate court's orders, including the order restricting his future sale of real estate; misappropriated estate funds; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the proper administration of justice; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals; and engaged in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional responsibility adopted by the Supreme Court.
Respondent was charged with violations of MCR 5.31 3(A); 5.31 3(D); and 5.31 3(E); and committed professional misconduct in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(I)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(a); 3.4(c) and 8.4(a)-(c). In accordance with the stipulation approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission, the panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan should be suspended for 180 days and that respondent pay restitution in the amount of $41,000.00. The panel also ordered that respondent be subject to conditions relevant to the alleged misconduct and assessed costs in the amount of $1,361.50.
Dated: L f i ~ v1 5 Zoo?