NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 96-99-GA Robert M. Pocock, P-40059, Warren, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #103.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective June 21, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent a couple in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to file the bankruptcy action; failed to keep in reasonable communication with his clients; closed his office and moved without notice to his clients; abandoned the representation without notice to his clients; failed to refund the unearned $700 fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing on June 21, 1996.
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 the 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).
On June 25, 1996, the panel entered an interim order of suspension for 180 days effective June 21, 1996, the date of the disciplinary hearing. The panel noted that respondent had been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since January 29, 1996, for failure to pay his annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan. In its final Order of Suspension and Restitution, entered on July 18, 1995, the panel also directed respondent to make restitution to the complainants in the amount of $700. Costs were assessed in the amount of $156.12.