NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-169-GA; 95-186-FA Arnold F. Farwell, P-36829, Troy, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #65.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective February 13, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent a client in a Michigan Employment Security Commission appeal regarding an adverse decision requiring her to repay approximately $3,200, which had been determined to be an overpayment concerning an unemployment claim. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to file an appellate brief, causing the appeal to be dismissed; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; and failed to return the unearned $500 retainer fee.
Respondent was retained regarding a severance agreement offered to his client. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; and failed to release the client's file upon request.
Respondent was retained to represent a client in an unemployment matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to take any action on his client's behalf; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; failed to keep his client informed regarding the status of the matter; moved his law office without notifying his client of his change of address; and abandoned the representation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints or appear at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1)-(4)and(7); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be revoked and that he make restitution to the first complainant in the amount of $3,776. Costs were assessed in the amount of $230.83.
NOTE: Respondent has been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan continuously since July 18, 1995.