NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 02-46-GA Notice Issued: April 17, 2003 Reginald O. Hamilton, P 26213, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #12.
1. Revocation; 2. Effective April 16, 2003 The hearing panel found, by default, that respondent abandoned the representation of four clients; failed to refund the unearned portion of attorney fees in those matters; failed to provide timely accounting of attorney fees in two of those matters; and, in one of those matters, failed to turn over a client file to successor counsel. In another matter, respondent failed to advise a client of the receipt of settlement funds, how the funds were to be distributed, and the amount of his attorney fees and costs. Respondent also failed to promptly distribute the undisputed portion of the funds; and failed to timely resolve any dispute regarding the funds so that distribution could be made. Additionally, respondent shared legal fees with a non-lawyer; engaged in a partnership with a non-lawyer, the activities of which included the practice of law; and knowingly misled and deceived two of his clients as to the relationship between himself and the non-lawyer. Finally, 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); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.5(c); 1.15(a)-(c); 1.16(d); 5.4(a) and (b); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be revoked and that he pay restitution. Costs were assessed in the amount of $788.58.