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
STATE OF MICIDGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR
KAREN M. DALEY ASSOCIATE COUNSEL
SHERRY MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
ALLY SON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER
LINDA S. HOTCHKISS, MD
ANNA FRUSHOUR MICHAEL S. HOHAUSER
333 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1700
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48228-3147 PHONE: 313-983-5553 I FAX: 313-983-5571
OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER
JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONISTISECRETARY
NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION
Case No. 19-78-GA
Notice Issued: January 14, 2020
Carolyn J. Jackson, P 53018, Southfield, . Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline 80ard Tri-County Hearing Panel #56.
Disbarment, Effective January 9, 2020
8ased on respondent's default and the evidence presented at the hearing, the hearing panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct in her representation of five separate clients, as set forth in a six count formal complaint. Specifically, the hearing panel found that respondent misappropriated client funds for her own personal benefit; did not advise her clients or the court that she was disqualified from the practice of law due to the suspension of her license to practice law; either appeared in court, or filed documents with the court during her suspension; failed to return unearned fees to the clients; and, failed to answer four requests for investigation.
The panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to her, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to a client to the extent necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to pay or deliver funds to which a client or third person was entitled to receive, in violation of MRPC 1.15(b)(3); failed to hold client funds and safeguard them in an IOLTA, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); failed to withdraw from representation that would result in a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 1.16(a); failed to refund an advance payment of fee which had not been earned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from an admissions or disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2); failed to timely answer a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7), MCR 9.113(A), and MCR 9.113(8)(2); failed to notify all active clients in writing of her suspension within 7 days of the effective date, as required by MCR 9.119(A); failed to file a withdrawal and notice of disqualification from the practice of law in all tribunals in which a lawyer is representing a client in litigation, in violation of MCR 9.119(8); practiced law while suspended, in violation of MCR 9.119(E)(1); appeared as an attorney before a court, judge, justice, board, or commission while suspended, in violation of MCR 9.119(E)(3); and held herself out as an attorney while suspended, in violation of MCR 9.119(E)(4). Respondent was also found to have violated MCR 9.104(1 )-(3), and (9) and MRPC 8.4(b)
The panel ordered that respondent be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan and that she be required to pay restitution in the total amount of $17,650.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,443.23. a . Mark A. Armitage Executive Director