NOTICE OF REPRIMAND AND PROBATION WITH RESTITUTION (By Consent)
Case No. 95-192-GA Frederick J. Blackmond, P-29696, Lansing, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #5.
1) Reprimand and Probation - two (2) years; 2) Effective March 22, 1996. Respondent was retained to assist in the sale of stock held by the estate of his client's deceased mother. The stock certificates were entrusted to respondent for safekeeping. Respondent pled nolo contendere to allegations that he failed to transfer the stock to the heirs of the estate; failed to keep his client reasonably informed; and failed to safeguard the stock.
Respondent was retained by the same client to represent her in a divorce proceeding. He pled nolo contendere to allegations that he failed to appear for a hearing; failed to inform his client that she was required to appear for the hearing, resulting in her loss of $5,384 in alimony and a $50 per week reduction in child support; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; and failed to take remedial action to amend the incorrect legal description for the marital home in the judgment of divorce.
Respondent's conduct was alleged to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(a); 3.2; 3.4(c); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be reprimanded and placed on probation for two years, subject to conditions including the monitoring of his law practice, law office management classes, and restitution in the amount of $5,204. Costs were assessed in the amount of $61.48.