MEMOSOS ALBERT L. HOLTZ CH4RPERSON KENNETHL LEWIS
BARE3AJtA B. GATTORN MICHAEL R. KRAMER C.H. DUDLEY, M.D. ELIZABETH N. BAXER ROGER E. WINKELMAN NANCY A. WONCH GRANT J. GRUEL
STATE OF MICHIGAN ~tV ~tSCipIint~
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NOTICE OF SUSPENSION
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JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE OIP€C TOrI — MAJRKAAJRMITAGE
MARGAJRET -LUCAS AGIUS LEGAL ASSISTANT TlgGRswaDsntEI SUITE 1910 DETIIOIL MCH~M448226 ka313983-s5sa Fax Nee Code 313 983-5571
Case No. 96-236-GA J. Michael Hill, P-26769, Allen Park, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing Tn-County Hearing Panel #3s Order of Suspension for 60 days.
1) Suspension 180 Days; 2) Effective March 31, 1999, The panel found that respondent simultaneously represented the complainantlhusband, charged with criminal sexual conduct, and the complainant and his wife, in an action to terminate their parental rights, without seeking or obtaining the informed consent of his clients; refused to refund the unused portion of the $25,000 fee paid by his clients; failed to place the unearned retainer fee, not properly designated as a non-refundable retainer, in a segregated trust account; and interviewed a party who he knew or should have known was represented by counsel without that counsels knowledge or consent. The panel concluded that respondents conduct violated Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1 .4(a) and (b); 1.5(a) and (b); 1.7(a) and (b); 1.1 5(a)-(c); 1.16(d); 4.2; 4.4; and 8.4(a)-(c). The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 60 days.
The Grievance Administrator and the respondent each filed a petition for review, and respondent received an automatic stay of discipline. In an order entered on October 29, 1998, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the findings of misconduct and increased discipline to an 180-day suspension.
Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal. The Supreme Court granted his motion for stay of discipline. In an order entered on March 9, 1999, the Court denied the application for leave to appeal. The suspension is deemed to be effective March 31, 1999. were assessed in the total amount of $4,138.41.
/ I/It p it (____ John F.~anBolt
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Costs
NOTE: Respondent filed a request for further stay, which was denied by the Supreme Court in an order entered March 30, 1999.
Dated:AR_3_1J999,,,,._