NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 97-27-GA; 97-44-FA Joel D. Patterson, P-41674, Royal Oak and Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #73.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective May 28, 1997. Respondent was retained and paid $500 to represent the complainant concerning potential litigation against an insurance company. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; abandoned the representation; failed to refund the unearned fee; continued to hold himself out to the complainant as authorized to practice law while suspended;1. failed to notify the complainant of his suspension; failed to file with the AGC or ADB a copy of a certified mail receipt showing notice to the complainant of his suspension; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaint. Respondent also failed to appear 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(D)-(F); 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); 3.4(c); 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be revoked for the fourth time,2. and that he make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $500 plus interest. The panel specifically noted respondent's prior suspension and revocations as aggravating factors. Costs were assessed in the amount of $146.28. 1. 1. See Notice of Suspension (By Consent), Case Nos. 93-76-GA; 93-212-GA, dated January 11, 1994.
2. 2. The three prior revocations were effective September 5, 1996, November 14, 1996, and March 15, 1997.