NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 96-263-GA Arthur Borja, P-45771, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #4.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective June 20, 1997. Respondent was retained and paid $1,000 to institute civil litigation the complainant's behalf. The panel found that respondent neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned fee upon his termination and the complainant's request; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); MCR 9.113(A); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.16(d); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for 180 days and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $1,000 plus interest. Costs were assessed in the amount of $388.87.
NOTE: Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for sixty days effective April 30, 1997.