NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-162-GA; 98-188-FA; 98-192-GA; 98-219-FA Clayton C. Agree, P-42802, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #59.
1) Suspension - One Year; 2) Effective March 3, 1999.1 Respondent was retained to represent the first complainants, defendants in a civil matter in Wayne County Circuit Court. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to return the unearned $1,500 fee to the complainants; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent the second complainant in a divorce matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints and failed to 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(c); 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 in Michigan for a period of one year and make $2,200 in restitution. Costs were assessed in the amount of $286.39.
________________________ 1 Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law for failure to pay his annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan, effective February 9, 1999. That suspension remains in effect.