NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 96-255-GA; 96-282-FA Susan Laughlin, P-42133, Sterling Heights, Royal Oak and Madison Heights, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri- County Hearing Panel #105.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective June 4, 1997. Respondent was retained to prepare quit claim deeds for the complainant. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to prepare the quit claims deeds; failed to respond to the complainant's inquiries; failed to keep the complainant reasonably informed; abandoned the representation; failed to refund the unearned $400 fee; failed to release the complainant's file and documents upon request; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. 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) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a) and (b); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days; make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $437 or satisfy the applicable small claims court judgment; and return the complainant's file. Costs were assessed in the amount of $223.30.
NOTE: Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law for failure to pay her annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan effective January 28, 1997.