NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 98-49-GA; 98-76-FA
Craig W. Sloan, P-43937, Portage, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board reducing Kalamazoo County Hearing Panel #1's Order of Suspension for 180 days.
1) Suspension - 90 Days; 2) Effective January 19, 1999.
The first complainant retained Respondent concerning a matter involving the denial of insurance benefits. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to promptly release the client file to the complainant upon discharge and demand; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to cooperate in the Grievance Administrator's investigation.
The second complainant retained Respondent concerning dental malpractice litigation. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to promptly release the complete client file to the complainant upon demand; knowingly made a false representation in his answer to the Request for Investigation; failed to cooperate in the Grievance Administrator's investigation; and knowingly made a false statement in the sworn statement taken by the Grievance Administrator in connection with the investigation.
The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (6) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(a) and (b); and 8.4(a)-(c). The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of 180 days.
Respondent filed a petition for review and petition for stay of discipline. The petition for stay was granted. In an order issued December 28, 1998, the Attorney Discipline Board reduced the suspension to 90 days effective January 19, 1999. Costs were assessed in the amount of $697.09.