NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 98-183-GA; 98-208-FA L. Katharine Christopher, P-24040, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #67.
1) Suspension - One Year; 2) Effective December 10, 2000.1 Respondent was retained to represent a client in a divorce action and was paid $1,500 for the representation. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected and abandoned the matter; failed to refund the unearned fee; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. However, respondent did 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(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 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 in Michigan for a period of one year effective December 10, 2000, to run consecutive to the suspensions ordered in two previous disciplinary cases, with conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $374.52.
________________________ 1Respondent was also suspended for failure to pay her annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan effective February 20, 1998, for two years in Case No. 98-79-GA et al effective September 11, 1998, and for 90 days effective September 11, 2000.