MEMBERS JONATHAN E. LAUDERBACH CHAIRPERSON MICHAEL B. RIZIK, JR. VICE-CHAIRPERSON BARBARA WILLIAMS FORNEY SECRETARY JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN
KAREN D. O’DONOGHUE LINDA S. HOTCHKISS, MD MICHAEL S. HOHAUSER PETER A. SMIT
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
333 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1700
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR — KAREN M. DALEY ASSOCIATE COUNSEL — SHERRY MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR —
ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER — JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY —
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3147
PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
www.adbmich.org
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 18-6-GA Notice Issued: May 18, 2020 Scott D. Norton, P 35717, Birmingham, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Suspension - 60 Days, Effective May 5, 2020 The panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of a client in a driver’s license appeal before the Secretary of State. Specifically, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of the client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of the matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); and violated, or attempted to violate, the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a).
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law be suspended for a period of 60 days and that he be required to pay restitution totaling $1,500. Respondent filed a timely petition for review seeking a reduction of the discipline imposed, and a request for a stay which resulted in an automatic stay of the hearing panel’s order. On February 4, 2020, the Board affirmed the hearing panel’s order of suspension and restitution in its entirety. Respondent filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the Board on April 6, 2020. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,251.88.
/s/ Mark A. Armitage Executive Director