NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 06-100-GA Notice Issued: February 8, 2007 Stephanie J. Brown, P 62693, Highland, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #6.
1. Suspension - 4 Years and 6 Months 2. Effective November 29, 2006 1 The respondent was found to be in default for failing to file an answer to the formal complaint. She also failed to appear at the hearing. Based on respondent=s default, the panel found that respondent abandoned the representation of two clients; and failed to return the client file or refund the unearned fee in one of those matters. Respondent was also found to have failed to provide complete and signed answers which fully and fairly disclosed the facts and circumstances pertaining to the alleged misconduct. Finally, with regard to a previous discipline order, respondent failed to pay the ordered restitution costs, and did not file written proof of the disgorgement of her client files with the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(a)(1)-(4), (7) and (9); MCR 9.113; MCR 9.119; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(a); 1.16(d); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent=s license to practice in Michigan be suspended for four years and six months, effective November 29, 2006, with conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Additionally, the panel ordered that respondent pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $17,200.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,786.38.
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since May 13, 2005. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution with Conditions issued May 16, 2005.