NOTICE OF REPRIMAND Case Nos. 97-287-GA; 97-314-FA Robert L. Tank, P-46545, Taylor and Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Reprimand; 2) Effective April 7, 1998. The complainant paid respondent $300 to institute probate proceedings in the estate of his deceased father. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to immediately release the complainant's client file and refund the unearned fee upon demand; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of 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); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 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 reprimanded. Costs were assessed in the amount of $198.06.