NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-79-GA; 98-83-GA; 98-97-FA; 98-109-FA L. Katharine Christopher, P-24040, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #79.
1) Suspension - Two (2) Years; 2) Effective September 11, 1998.1. The panel found that the allegations of professional misconduct contained in the Formal Complaints were established by default, as follows: Nine counts of client neglect and/or abandonment; seven counts of failure to return unearned fees and/or client files; one count of failure to return other client property; three counts of knowingly making false statements to clients; one count of knowingly making a false statement in answer to Request for Investigation; six counts of failure to answer Requests for Investigation; and two counts of failure to answer Formal Complaints. Respondent did, however, appear at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of 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(b) and (c); 1.2; 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.5(a) 1.15(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 two years and make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $6,048.20. Costs were assessed in the amount of $717.53. 1. Respondent was also suspended for failure to pay her annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan, effective February 20, 1998. That suspension remains in effect.