NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-128-GA; 95-150-FA William A. Basse, P-29168, Troy, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #61.
1) Suspension - three (3) years and six (6) months; 2) Effective September 21, 1995. Respondent was retained to represent the plaintiff/wife in a divorce action. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; abandoned the representation without notice; failed to comply with successor counsel's requests for the client's file; failed to refund the $750 retainer; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. 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(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 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 in Michigan for three years and six months and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $750. Costs were assessed in the amount of $204.85.
NOTE: Respondent has been suspended from the practice of law in Michigan continuously since June 21, 1995.