NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 96-189-GA; 96-219-FA Gregory L. Wilkins, P-44281, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #12.
1) Suspension - 120 Days; 2) Effective September 25, 1997. Respondent represented the first complainant in a medical malpractice action. The panel found that respondent neglected the matter by failing to thoroughly analyze the current statutes regarding the applicable statute of limitations for medical malpractice matters and relying on an outdated statute in filing the complaint after the statute of limitations had expired; failing to communicate with the complainant regarding the status of the matter; failing to promptly notify the complainant that the court had granted one defendant's motion for summary disposition and that the case had been dismissed; filing an appeal of the lower court's decision, which was subsequently dismissed by the Court of Appeals as untimely; and failing to notify the complainant that the Court of Appeals had dismissed the appeal.
Respondent represented the second complainant in a divorce action. The panel found that respondent made false and misleading statements to the complainant.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(b); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 120 days, subject to conditions including completion of a law office management course and obtaining professional liability insurance. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1055.79.