NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS (By Consent)
Case Nos. 04-41-GA; 04-165-GA Notice Issued: April 12, 2005 Robert J. Connelly, P 38051, Portage, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Kalamazoo County Hearing Panel #2.
1. Suspension - 1 Year 2. Effective April 15, 2005 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), containing respondent=s plea of no contest to the allegations that he failed to file answers to 12 requests for investigation served by the Grievance Administrator; failed to respond to reasonable requests for communication in 10 client matters; neglected nine client matters; failed to refund unearned attorney fees or retainers in three client matters; failed to return client files in four client matters; failed to act with reasonable diligence in one client matter; failed to provide communication to one client regarding his decision to pursue or not pursue a medical malpractice claim; failed to provide one client with an accounting of the attorney fee paid; and failed to take action after a client=s case was dismissed for non-service.
Respondent was charged with violations of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7), MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(a); 1.16(d); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties agreed that respondent=s license to practice law in Michigan should be suspended for one year and that respondent be subject to certain conditions, including the payment of restitution in the aggregate amount of $5,750.00, along with other conditions relevant to the alleged misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,167.93.