NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 95-246-GA; 95-269-FA Mary E. Bennett, P-36182, East Lansing, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective January 3, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent a client in a custody modification action. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to file a motion or petition for custody modification on her client's behalf; failed to appear for a hearing concerning custody modification; failed to keep her client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter or to advise him of her inaction on his behalf; failed to respond to her client's numerous inquiries concerning the matter; failed to refund the unearned $1,500 attorney fee; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaint.
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; 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 be suspended from the practice of law for 180 days effective January 3, 1996, the date of the disciplinary hearing at which the panel announced its order of discipline on the record.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $220.93. NOTE: Respondent has been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan continuously since August 19, 1995.