NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-74-GA; 95-113-FA Frederick S. Bluford, P-24316, Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #27.
1) Suspension - two (2) years; 2) Effective September 12, 1995. Respondent was retained to institute civil litigation. The panel found, by default and a preponderance of the evidence, that respondent failed to take any action on his clients' behalf; failed to keep in reasonable communication with his clients; failed to refund unearned fees; falsely advised his clients that he had commenced suit on their behalf; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaint. 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)and(7); MCR 9.113(A)and(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for two years and make restitution to the complainants in the amount of $333. The panel further ordered that respondent shall not receive any credit toward the two-year suspension until after he makes restitution. Costs were assessed in the amount of $255.48.
NOTE: Respondent has been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan continuously since July 22, 1994.