NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-12-GA; 95-25-FA Jonathan M. Tarpinian, P-37029, West Bloomfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #79.
1) Suspension - two (2) years; 2) Effective April 22, 1995. Respondent failed to answer the Formal Complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Troy on March 14, 1995. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the Formal Complaint.
Respondent was retained to represent an individual in a partnership disagreement concerning a liquor license, and received a $2,200 fee for the representation. The panel found, by default, that he failed to take any action on his client's behalf; failed to withdraw from the representation or otherwise protect his client's interests; failed to keep his client adequately advised of the status of his matter; failed to return documentation to his client regarding the partnership/liquor license; failed to return the unearned fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
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; 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 a period of two years and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $2,200. Costs were assessed in the amount of $174.34.