NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 96-73-GA; 96-90-FA Barry W. Litvin, P-16736, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #71.
1) Suspension - eighteen (18) months; 2) Effective June 27, 1996. Respondent was retained to pursue two garnishments. The panel found, by default, that he neglected the matter; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; and failed to return the unearned $400 fee.
Respondent was retained to represent the defendant in an eviction matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; and failed to return the unearned $1,250 fee.
Respondent was retained represent the defendant in a lawsuit, and to pursue four collection matters. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matters; failed to respond to his client's requests for information; failed to return his client's file upon request; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints and failed to appear at the disciplinary hearings. 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); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for eighteen months commencing June 27, 1996, the date of the final disciplinary hearing; that he make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $2,537; and that he be subject to other conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $385.13.