NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 97-62-GA; 97-91-FA; 97-105-GA; 97-146-FA Glenn R. Stevens, P-36197, Grand Blanc, MI, by Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #1.
1) Suspension - Two (2) Years; 2) Effective May 28, 1997. Respondent was retained and paid $1000 to represent the first complainant in a divorce case. Respondent failed to take immediate action as requested, and complainant terminated respondent's representation and twice requested a refund of the unearned fees. The panel found, by default and respondent's admissions, that respondent failed to refund any portion of the fees; and knowingly made false statements in his answer to the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to investigate a possible wrongful discharge action regarding the second complainant and to prepare an opinion letter containing the results of that investigation. Respondent's $1000 retainer fee was paid by the third complainant, the second complainant's father-in-law. The panel found that respondent neglected the matter; failed to return the unearned fees to the complainants upon demand; failed to return the documentation provided by the complainants on demand; failed to provide the complainants with an accounting of the fees and costs incurred in the matter upon request; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints.
Respondent was retained and paid $3000 to represent the fourth complainants in a custody action regarding their grandson. The panel found that respondent neglected the matter; failed to return any portion of the unearned fees; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (6) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 8.1(a) and (b); and 8.4(a)- (c).
The parties agreed that respondent should be suspended from the practice of law for two years retroactive to May 28, 1997, the effective date of his 180-day suspension in Case No. 95-240- GA, and make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $5000. Costs were assessed in the amount of $253.79.