FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 96-93-GA Notice Issued: March 6, 2001 Joseph W. Moch, P-23792, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming an order of Ingham County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 2 Years; 2. Effective September 9, 1999. The hearing panel found that respondent had committed professional misconduct, specifically: In a personal injury matter, respondent represented to opposing counsel that a law clerk from his office was a licensed and experienced attorney. Respondent also aided in the unauthorized practice of law when he directed his law clerk to appear at a deposition and represent his clients. Further, respondent was found to have improperly assessed cost charges and attorney fees to his clients= account. 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); 3.1; 4.1; 5.3(a)-(c); 5.5(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license be suspended for two years with conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $6,061.26.
Respondent petitioned for review and on June 15, 2000, the Attorney Discipline Board entered an order modifying the hearing panel=s report on misconduct and affirming the order of suspension. The respondent filed a motion for reconsideration on July 6, 2000 which was denied. On September 11, 2000, respondent filed an application for leave to appeal which was denied by the Supreme Court on February 26, 2001.