NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 96-148-GA; 96-161-FA Thomas L. Van Meter, P-31457, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board accepting a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline.
1) Suspension - Three (3) Years; 2) Effective February 14, 1997. A client paid respondent $500 to file a petition for commencement of probate proceedings in the estate of her deceased father. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned $500 fee upon demand; 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) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
Kent County Hearing Panel #4 ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for thirty months effective January 29, 1996, to run concurrently with the thirty-month suspension imposed in Case Nos. 96-27-GA et al.1. The panel also ordered respondent to make restitution in the amount of $500 plus interest. Costs were assessed in the amount of $362.17.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review seeking increased discipline. On April 8, 1997, the Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline and a Stipulation to Dismiss Petitioner's Petition for Review. The stipulation sets forth the agreement of the parties that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for three years effective February 14, 1997 and make restitution in the amount of $500. 1. That suspension remains in effect.