NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 99-010-GA; 99-025-FA Thomas R. Koopman, P-30995, Bridgeport, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Midland County Hearing Panel #2.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective August 28, 2003. Respondent was suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of 120 days effective July 18, 1995, and has not been reinstated to the practice of law. He was subsequently suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years effective May 2, 1996, and his license to practice law was revoked effective August 28, 1998. In September 1996, respondent was retained by the complainant to represent him in a criminal matter.
The panel found, by default, that respondent undertook the representation, notwithstanding his suspension from the practice of law; neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned $300 fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaint and failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing. The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(a) and (d); 3.2; 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be revoked for the second time, to run consecutive to his first revocation, and that he make restitution to the complainant in the sum of $300. Costs were assessed in the amount of $304.09.