NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 94-220-GA; 95-47-GA Mary E. Bennett, P-36182, East Lansing, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #1.
1) Suspension - thirty days; 2) Effective August 19, 1995.
3) Probation - one year; 4) Effective upon reinstatement.
Respondent was retained to represent the defendant/wife in a divorce action. Respondent admitted that she neglected the matter; failed to respond to her client's inquiries; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent a woman in recovering retirement benefits from her ex-husband. Respondent admitted that she neglected the matter; failed to keep her client reasonably informed and to respond to her client's inquiries; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent's conduct was admitted 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; 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for thirty days, followed by a one-year period of probation. Costs were assessed in the amount of $99.93.