NOTICE OF REPRIMAND Case No. 92-141-GA A. Lawrence Russell, P-19776, Waterford, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board reducing a hearing panel order of suspension for thirty days.
1) Reprimand; 2) Effective March 17, 1995. The majority of Tri-County Hearing Panel #81 found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent entered into a business transaction with a client which was not fair and reasonable, not fully disclosed, and not transmitted in writing in a manner that could be reasonably understood by the client; did not give the client a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel concerning the transaction; and knowingly made a false statement in his answer to the request for investigation. The panel voted, by majority, to suspend respondent from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of thirty days. The dissenting panelist voted for a reprimand.
The respondent filed a petition for review. On review, the Board reversed the panel majority's finding that respondent knowingly made a false statement in his answer to the request for investigation and reduced the discipline imposed to a reprimand.
The Board found that respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(2)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(b); 1.8(a)(1)and(2); and 8.4(a).
Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,945.80.