NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 99-43-GA; 99-68-FA
L. Katharine Christopher, P-24040, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #65.
1) Suspension - 60 Days; 2) Effective December 10, 2001 Respondent was retained and paid $1,500 to represent complainant in a divorce/custody matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to schedule a de novo hearing on behalf of complainant; failed to communicate with complainant; neglected and abandoned the matter; and failed to refund the unearned portion of the fee and return the complainant=s file upon request. The panel found that the time for respondent=s answer to Formal Complaint 99-68-FA had not expired as of the date of hearing and that complaint was dismissed without prejudice.
The panel concluded that respondent=s conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1) - (4) and (7); MCR 9.113(B)(2); Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.1(b) and (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of 60 days, to run consecutive to the suspensions currently in effect. 1 The panel further ordered respondent to make restitution in the amount of $1,500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $257.80.
1 Respondent is currently serving three consecutive suspensions until December 10, 2001.