NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 03-33-GA Notice Issued: December 3, 2003 James P. Lavender, P 52590, Bingham Farms, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #57.
1. Suspension - 30 days 2. Effective December 1, 2003 The hearing panel found, based on a stipulation filed by the parties, that respondent, in an immigration matter, failed to file a Petition for Alien Fiancé or any other documents on behalf of his client=s fiancé. In a litigation matter, respondent failed to file an answer to the counter-complaint on behalf of his client as ordered by the court which resulted in a default being entered against his client. Further, respondent failed to file answers to three requests for investigation served by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 3.4; 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a) and (c). The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 30 days. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,990.67.