NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION (By Consent)
Case No. 04-150-GA Notice Issued: May 4, 2005
Cathy Rice Lewis, P 51372, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #70.
1. Suspension - 60 Days 2. Effective May 4, 2005 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline containing respondent=s admission that, in a criminal appeal matter, she failed
to provide competent representation; neglected the matter; failed to expedite litigation; and failed to act with reasonable promptness and diligence. In a personal injury matter, respondent admitted that she commingled client funds; and issued checks from her IOLTA account in payment of personal expenses. Respondent further admitted that her conduct was prejudicial to the administration of justice; exposed the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach; and was contrary to justice.
Respondent=s misconduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a) and (c); 1.3; 1.15(a); 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties agreed that respondent should be suspended for 60 days and that she pay restitution in the amount of $2,500.00 and be subject to a condition relevant to the admitted misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,025.64.