NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 97-289-GA; 97-313-FA Mark A. Smith, P-35178, Dearborn, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #13.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective October 18, 2000. Respondent was retained to represent the complainant in a claim for injuries she suffered in an automobile accident. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected and abandoned the matter; failed to surrender the client file to the complainant; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. Respondent also failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of 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)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 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 180 days commencing October 18, 2000, to run consecutive to the three-year suspension in Case Nos. 97-140-GA et al, which commenced on October 18, 1997. Costs were assessed in the amount of $413.16.