NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 93-87-GA; 93-113-FA; 93-121-GA Steve L. Rogalla, P-30075, Mount Clemens, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #106.
1) Suspension - 276 days; 2) Effective May 1, 1994. Respondent was retained to institute bankruptcy proceedings. He admitted that he failed to institute those proceedings; failed to keep his client reasonably informed; failed to refund the unearned $750 fee; failed timely answer the request for investigation; and failed to answer the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained to institute divorce proceedings. He admitted that he failed to have the complaint for divorce served on the defendant; failed to prosecute the divorce action; failed to respond to his client's inquiries or those of her representative; failed to keep his client reasonably informed; failed to refund the unearned $197 fee; failed to timely answer the request for investigation; failed to cooperate with the Attorney Grievance Commission's investigation; and failed to respond to the lawful demands for information by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Respondent was retained to file a civil action. He admitted that he failed to file an action on his client's behalf; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; failed to keep his client reasonably informed; failed to refund the unearned $72 fee; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained to institute divorce proceedings. He admitted that he failed to institute those proceedings; failed to respond to his client's inquiries; failed to keep his client reasonably informed; failed to refund the unearned $72 fee; failed to timely answer the request for investigation; failed to cooperate with the Attorney Grievance Commission's investigation; and failed to respond to the lawful demands for information by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4),(6)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(a)and(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license be suspended for 276 days, and that he make restitution to his clients in the total amount of $1,091.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $320.44.
NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been suspended continuously since March 16, 1994.