NOTICE OF "RECIPROCAL" SUSPENSION Case No. 96-172-RD Edward Gerard Yaple, P-46373, Kalamazoo, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming Kalamazoo County Hearing Panel #2's Order of Suspension.
1) Suspension - Two (2) Years; 2) Effective May 6, 1997. Respondent's license to practice law in Virginia was revoked effective December 15, 1995. The Virginia revocation was based on findings that respondent neglected six client matters, failed to maintain reasonable communication with a client, failed to notify clients of his change in business address, failed to utilize proper trust account procedures, and failed to refund unearned fees of several clients. Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of the Virginia Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 2-108(A)(1) and (3); DR 2-108(D); DR 6- 101(A)(1) and (2); DR 6-101(B)-(D); DR 7-102(A)(1)-(3); DR 9- 102(A) and (B); and DR 9-103(A) and (B).
On August 12, 1996, the Grievance Administrator filed a Petition for Order to Show Cause why an order of reciprocal discipline should not be entered. An Order to Show Cause was entered by the Attorney Discipline Board on August 15, 1996. On April 14, 1997, the panel entered an order suspending respondent from the practice of law in Michigan for two years.
The Grievance Administrator and the respondent each filed a petition for review. On September 4, 1997, the Attorney Discipline Board issued an Order Affirming Hearing Panel Order of Suspension.
Costs were assessed in the total amount of $780.42.