NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 05-69-GA; 06-64-GA; 06-65-JC Notice Issued: October 6, 2006
Paul W. Sawyer, P 53077, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #108.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective October 5, 2006 The respondent and Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), containing respondent=s plea of no contest to the allegations that, in one matter, he received unreasonable compensation for legal services rendered. In a second matter, respondent pled no contest to the allegations that he failed to provide competent representation to a client; neglected a legal matter entrusted to him; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to make informed decisions regarding the representation; and failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of the client; failed to communicate the basis or rate of his fee, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the representation; and failing to place his contingent fee agreement in writing and to provide a copy to the client. Finally, in a third matter, respondent pled no contest to the allegations that he failed to place a contingent fee in writing; failed to provide a copy to the client; failed to provide his client with a written statement of the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, show the remittance to the client and the method of its determination; and engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the proper administration of justice.
Additionally, respondent admitted that he was convicted of the following misdemeanors: operating while visibly impaired by liquor on November 3, 2004 in the 41B District Court; operating while visibly impaired on November 5, 2004 in the 41-A District Court; and operating while intoxicated on February 9, 2005 in the 37 th District Court .
Respondent was charged with violations of MCR 5.313(A); MCR 8.121(F); MCR 9.104(A)(1); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a) and (c); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.5(c); 3.2; and 8.4(c)
Based on the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license to practice law shall be suspended for 180 days, effective October 5, 2006, and imposed a condition relevant to the alleged misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,449.99.