NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 95-171-GA; 95-185-FA Don C. Thigpen, P-46040, Oak Park, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #54.
1) Suspension - thirty (30) days; 2) Effective March 27, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent the plaintiff/wife in a divorce action. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned attorney fees; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaint. Respondent also failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing held on September 15, 1995. 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); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
On September 26, 1995, the panel entered its report, in which it deferred the entry of an order of discipline for a brief period of time to allow respondent to file substantive pleadings regarding his failure to answer and requesting further consideration of the order of discipline. Respondent filed pleadings on October 17, 1995, and a further sanction hearing was held on January 4, 1996. On February 5, 1996, the panel entered its supplemental report and order of suspension for thirty days. Respondent subsequently requested a temporary stay of discipline, which was granted by the Attorney Discipline Board. The suspension is deemed to be effective March 27, 1996. Costs were assessed in the amount of $273.06.
NOTE: Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for 180 days effective March 5, 1996.