NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 94-105-GA; 94-117-FA Frederick S. Bluford, P-24316, Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #10.
1) Suspension - One (1) Year; 2) Effective September 24, 1994. Respondent failed to answer the Formal Complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Detroit on August 11, 1994. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the Formal Complaint.
Respondent was retained to represent a client in a partnership dispute involving real estate and tax matters and was paid a $1,000 retainer fee, but for over 16 months, respondent failed to file legal action on his client's behalf; failed to respond to his client's telephone calls and inquiries; failed to advise his client of his new office location or telephone number; misrepresented to his client that a lawsuit had been commenced when it was untrue; failed to promptly pay to his client the unearned portion of the retainer fee; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; failed to timely comply with an Attorney Grievance Commission subpoena; and failed to answer another Request for Investigation.
Respondent's conduct constitutes professional misconduct 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; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel order that respondent's license be suspended for one year and that he make restitution to his client in the amount of $1,900 plus interest. Costs were assessed in the amount of $158.62.
NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been suspended continuously since July 22, 1994.