NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 05-04-GA; 05-24-FA Notice Issued: July 20, 2005 Grover C. Rudolph, P 56375, Highland Park, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #20.
1. Suspension - 1 Year 2. Effective July 19, 2005 The respondent failed to file answers to the formal complaints but he did appear at the hearing. Based on respondent=s admissions, together with the default entered in Formal Complaint 05-24-FA, the panel found that respondent, in regard to a faulty automobile repair claim, neglected the matter; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of his matter; failed to maintain an interest-bearing trust account for deposit of client funds; and failed to refund the unearned portion of the advanced fee payment upon termination. Additionally, respondent stated in a letter to the Grievance Administrator that he would return all documentation and proceeds to his former client, but failed to return any documents or proceeds. Finally, respondent failed to file an answer to a formal complaint served upon him by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(d); 1.16(d); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent=s license to practice in Michigan be suspended for one year and that he be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,837.48.