NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-104-GA; 98-120-FA Perry T. Christy, P-11874, Dearborn and Plymouth, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #34.
1) Suspension - Sixteen (16) Months; 2) Effective August 21, 1998.1. In September 1994, the complainant paid respondent $1500 to institute civil litigation on his behalf against Publisher's Clearing House. In March 1995, respondent filed suit on the complainant's behalf.
The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to release the client file and refund the unearned fees upon request; failed to advise the complainant of his suspension from the practice of law (see footnote); represented the complainant after he was no longer authorized to practice law; failed to notify the tribunal of his disqualification from the practice of law; failed to file affidavits of compliance showing that he complied with his duty to provide notice to the complainant and the tribunal of his suspension; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaint, but appeared at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (7) and (9); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); MCR 9.119(A)-(C) and (E); MCL 600.916; MSA 27A.916; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.5(a); 1.16(d); 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of sixteen (16) months and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $1,000.00 plus interest. Costs were assessed in the amount of $432.02. 1. Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since February 3, 1995. His license to practice law in Michigan was also revoked effective July 27, 1996.