NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 96-288-GA; 97-13-FA Raymond F. Curtin, P-30779, Burton, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board modifying Tri-County Hearing Panel #104's Order of Suspension (180 days) and Restitution.
1) Suspension - 179 Days; 2) Effective May 24, 1997. Respondent was retained by the complainant to commence probate proceedings in a decedent's estate, and was paid fees totalling $2,125. Respondent admitted that, despite the passage of more than seven years, he failed to commence estate proceedings; and failed to provide an accounting or itemization of the fees to the complainant upon request. Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); and 8.4(a) and (c). The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $2,175. Costs were assessed in the amount of $486.65.
Respondent filed a petition for review and petition for stay of discipline. The petition for stay was denied. In an order entered November 26, 1997 (amended December 1, 1997), the Attorney Discipline Board reduced discipline to a suspension of 179 days, added conditions that respondent attend a law office management course and a continuing legal education probate course, and affirmed the panel's order in all other respects except as specifically modified.