NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case No. 92-193-GA Steve L. Rogalla, P-30075, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board reducing a hearing panel order of suspension for 287 days.
1) Suspension - 119 days; 2) Effective March 19, 1994. Respondent admitted that he failed to institute bankruptcy proceedings on a client's behalf; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; and failed to return the unearned $350 fee.
In another matter, respondent admitted that he failed to institute divorce proceedings on a client's behalf for approximately two years; failed to serve the complaint for divorce on the defendant; failed to prosecute the divorce action; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the case; and failed to return the unearned $190 fee.
Respondent was retained to represent clients in a real estate matter. He admitted that he failed to institute proceedings on his clients' behalf; failed to keep his clients reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; and failed to release his clients' file to them upon request.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(a)and(c). Tri-County Hearing Panel #105 ordered that respondent's license be suspended for 287 days.
Respondent filed a petition for review seeking a reduction in discipline. On August 2, 1993, the Attorney Discipline Board ordered that: discipline be reduced to a 119-day suspension, respondent make restitution to two of his clients in the total amount of $540, and he practice under the supervision of a monitor for a period of one year following his reinstatement.
Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. In an order issued February 25, 1994, the Court denied the application for leave to appeal and ordered that the stay granted pursuant to MCR 9.122(C) shall remain in effect until 21 days after the date of that order.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $690.14.