NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 96-37-GA; 96-69-FA Kevin D. Cosgrove, P-39985, Royal Oak, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #65.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective June 20, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent a woman in a pending support matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to keep in communication with his client; failed to return the unearned attorney fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent a woman in divorce proceedings. He was paid a $350 attorney fee and $112 in court costs. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to keep in reasonable communication with his client; failed to return the unearned attorney fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to prepare a will and two quit claim deeds. He requested and received a $185 attorney fee. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; failed to refund the unearned attorney fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints and 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 the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days and make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $985. Costs were assessed in the amount of $244.87.