NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 98-218-GA June A. Porter, P-30589, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #27.
1) Suspension - Six Months; 2) Effective April 17, 2001. Respondent was retained and paid $350 to represent the first complainant in a post-judgment divorce matter. The panel found, by default, respondent neglected and abandoned the matter; failed to refund the unearned portion of the fee upon request; failed to forward the complainant's file to successor counsel upon request; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent the second complainant in post-conviction relief matter, and was paid $2,500 for the representation. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected and abandoned the matter; failed to refund the unearned portion of the fee upon request; failed to return the complainant's file upon request; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaint, but appeared at the disciplinary hearings.
The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); ; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, to run consecutive to the three-year suspension currently in effect.1 The panel further ordered respondent to deliver the second complainant's file to the Attorney Grievance Commission for proper disposition, and to make restitution totalling $2,175. Costs were assessed in the amount of $737.73
________________________ 1Respondent was suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of three years effective April 17, 1998.