NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 04-35-GA Notice Issued: March 15, 2005 Rodney Watts, P 26832, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #80.
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Probation - 18 Months Effective March 15, 2005
Suspension - 60 Days Effective April 30, 2005
The hearing panel found that respondent, in a civil lawsuit, failed to enter into a written fee agreement; failed to appear for two status and settlement conferences; failed to prepare a required statement; failed to seek an adjournment; and failed to provide an accounting, in writing, of his time. The panel also found that respondent failed to file an answer to a request for investigation served by the Grievance Administrator. Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.5(c); 1.15(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be subject to an 18 month probationary period, subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Additionally, the panel ordered that respondent shall be suspended for 60 days during the probationary period. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,871.42.