NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 95-163-GA Karen E. Werme, P-37016, Kalamazoo, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Kalamazoo County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective October 26, 1995. Respondent was retained by a woman to pursue claims against her father for sexual abuse and molestation. Respondent filed a lawsuit in circuit court and a settlement was eventually reached. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to promptly obtain and/or procure the proceeds of the settlement for her client; failed to respond to her client's inquiries; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaint and 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)and(7); MCR 9.113(A)and(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(b); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
Costs were assessed in the amount of $250.23.