NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 98-39-GA; 98-61-FA Sanford I. Topper, P-23491, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #76.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective October 7, 1998.1. Respondent was retained to represent the complainant in divorce proceedings. He entered a plea of no contest to allegations he neglected the matter; made knowingly false statements to the complainant; failed to notify the complainant of his suspension from the practice of law (see footnote); continued to hold himself out to the complainant as being authorized to engage in the practice of law; failed to file affidavits of compliance regarding the suspension; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints.
Based on his plea of no contest, the panel found that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (7) and (9); MCR 9.119(A), (C) and (E); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 3.2; 3.4(c); 5.5(a); 8.1(b) and 8.4(a)-(c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $200. Costs were assessed in the amount of $182.12. 1. Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since January 11, 1995.