NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 96-284-GA; 97-14-FA Robert M. Pocock, P-40059, Warren, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #103.
1) Suspension - One (1) Year; 2) Effective February 7, 1997. Respondent was retained to represent the complainant in a divorce action. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; abandoned the representation; failed to refund $595 in unearned attorney fees and unused costs; 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 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(a) and (d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for one year commencing February 7, 1997, the date of the disciplinary hearing, and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $523. Costs were assessed in the amount of $243.18.
NOTE: Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since June 21, 1996. His license to practice law was also revoked effective April 3, 1997.