NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-134-GA; 98-153-FA L. Katharine Christopher, P-24040, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #84.
1) Suspension - 90 Days; 2) Effective September 11, 2000.1. Respondent was retained by the complainant to file a complaint for divorce, and was paid a flat fee of $650. 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. Respondent did, however, 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(b) and (c); 1.2(a); 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 for 90 days effective September 11, 2000, to run consecutive to the two-year suspension imposed in Case Nos. 98-79-GA et al. The panel further ordered that respondent make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $650. Costs were assessed in the amount of $585.39. 1. Respondent was also suspended for failure to pay her annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan effective February 20, 1998, and for two years in Case Nos. 98-79-GA et al effective September 11, 1998. Those suspensions remain in effect.