NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-212-GA; 95-225-FA Frederick C. Sofen, P-27394, Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #18.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective January 11, 1996. Respondent was retained represent the plaintiff/husband in divorce proceedings. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to notify his client, the tribunal and opposing counsel of a prior suspension from the practice of law; continued to practice law while suspended; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
The panel further found, by default, that while suspended from the practice of law, respondent agreed to represent a woman in the enforcement of her ex-husband's child support obligations; requested and received a $150 attorney fee from the woman although he was suspended; failed to refund the improper fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also 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),(7)and(9); MCR 9.113(A)and(B)(2); MCR 9.119; MCL 600.916; MSA 27A.916; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be revoked and that he make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $550.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $159.38.
NOTE: Respondent has been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan continuously since April 15, 1994.