NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-140-GA; 98-165-FA; 98-241-GA William F. Klintworth, P-30993, Suttons Bay, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Otsego County Hearing Panel.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective March 2, 1999. From June 1995 through February 1997, respondent was retained to represent eight separate complainants in a variety of matters, including bankruptcy, divorce, criminal appeal, contract, and collection. Respondent was suspended from the practice of law for 60 days effective April 19, 1997, received two subsequent suspensions and one subsequent revocation, and has not been reinstated to the practice of law to date. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected five matters; failed to return unearned fees in five matters; violated the terms of the aforementioned suspension in six matters; created a conflict of interest in one matter; made false statements to his client or the client's representative in two matters; failed to comply with a court order in one matter; failed to answer seven Requests for Investigation; and failed to answer three Formal Complaints. Respondent also failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing.
The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (7) and (9); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); MCR 9.119(A), (D) and (E); MCL 600.916; MSA 27A.916; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(a) and (d); 3.2; 3.4(c); 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license be revoked for the second time, and that he make restitution to the complainants in the total sum of $5,862.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $453.21.