NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 97-66-GA; 97-98-FA Jeanne A. Kennedy, P-44060, Hillsdale, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #5.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective August 23, 1997. In June 1991, respondent was retained by the complainant to represent him in the appeal of a veteran's benefits matter. In June 1995, the complainant discharged respondent because she had been suspended from the practice of law and was unable to further render legal services to him.1. The panel found, by default, that despite her assurance to the complainant that she had possession of his client file, respondent failed to surrender the client file to him; failed to respond to his numerous requests for the return of his file; 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 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 8.1(b) and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days effective August 23, 1997. Costs were assessed in the amount of $194.24. 1. Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law since June 27, 1995.