NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 03-140-GA; 03-156-FA Notice Issued: February 26, 2004 Mark L. Pope, P 35590, Troy, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #81.
1. Suspension - 2 Years; 2. Effective November 26, 2003. 1
The respondent was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint or appear at the hearing. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent failed to advise clients at the time he accepted the representations that he would be unable to complete his representations due to his suspension from the practice of law; held himself out as authorized to engage in the practice of law while suspended; continued the representations of clients while he was suspended from the practice of law; failed to inform clients that he was suspended form the practice of law; failed to maintain reasonable communications with clients or respond to their requests for information regarding the status of their matters; failed to refund unearned fees or release client files upon being suspended from the practice of law; and failed to file an answer to the formal complaint in this matter. Respondent=s conduct was in violation fo MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 3.4(c); 5.5(a); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel issued an order suspending respondent from the practice of law in Michigan for two years. The panel also ordered respondent to pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $850.00 and assessed costs in the amount of $1,725.90.
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since September 27, 2002. See Notice of Suspension (By Consent), dated May 15, 2003.