NOTICE OF PROBATION (By Consent)
Case No. 98-210-GA Issued: October 11, 2000 James R. Johnson, P-37936, Saginaw, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Midland County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Probation - 2 Years; 2. Effective October 11, 2000. The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline in accordance with MCR 9.115(f)(5) which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. Respondent offered a plea of no contest to the charges of misconduct contained in Counts One through Four of Formal Complaint 98-210-GA, to wit: In one tax matter, respondent failed to file a petition and other required pleadings with the Michigan Tax Tribunal. In another tax matter, respondent failed take further action on his client=s behalf after filing an appearance. In both matters, respondent failed to maintain reasonable communications with his clients or respond to his clients= inquiries regarding the status of their matters; abandoned his clients= representation; failed to perform services for which he was retained; and failed to return the unearned fees. Respondent=s conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c). The parties agreed that Count Five of Formal Complaint 98-210-GA should be dismissed and that respondent should be placed on probation for a period of two years. Costs were assessed in the amount of $615.17.