NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 95-233-GA; 96-17-GA William A. Robinson, P-45201, Okemos, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #6.
1) Suspension - three (3) years; 2) Effective August 1, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent a couple in a breach of contract action and filed a lawsuit on their behalf. The court entered an opinion awarding judgment to the plaintiffs. Respondent pled nolo contendere to allegations that he failed to notice for hearing his proposed judgment after the opposing party filed timely objections; after the matter was placed on the "no progress" docket, failed to take necessary steps to effect entry of a judgment; failed to inform his clients of the no progress hearing; failed to appear at the no progress hearing; failed to keep in reasonable communication with his clients; affixed the names of the judge, opposing counsel and the court clerk on a purported judgment; and knowingly made numerous false statements to his clients.
Respondent was appointed to represent twenty-two defendants, and retained to represent one, in criminal appellate proceedings. He pled nolo contendere to allegations that he neglected all twenty-three criminal appellate matters and failed to refund the unearned $800 fee to the retained client.
Respondent's conduct was alleged to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)- (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; 3.4(b)and(c); and 8.4(a)- (c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for three years commencing August 1, 1996. Costs were assessed in the amount of $636.06.
NOTE: Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since October 2, 1995.