NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 92-214-GA Clifford R. Williams, P-22337, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #28.
1) Suspension - three years; 2) Effective December 9, 1993. Respondent was retained to represent a client in a workers' compensation matter. He received a draft in the amount of $2403.65, made payable to respondent, his client, and his client's insurance company. The panel found that respondent failed to deposit funds into a trust account; failed to promptly deliver the funds to the his client or the insurance company; failed to notify his client or the insurance company of the receipt of the funds; failed to account for the funds; and misappropriated the funds.
Respondent was subpoenaed to appear at the office of the Attorney Grievance Commission to give sworn testimony concerning allegations of professional misconduct made by his clients. The panel found that respondent knowingly made false statements in his sworn statement.
Respondent was retained to file a discrimination action. The panel found that respondent failed to conduct an adequate investigation of the claim prior to filing the lawsuit; failed to act in compliance with the rules and orders of the court concerning the filing of pleadings; failed to file a timely response to motions filed by the defendant; failed to prosecute the discrimination action; and failed to keep his clients reasonably informed concerning the status of the case.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4)and (6); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15; 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c). Costs were assessed in the amount of $1235.61.
NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been continuously suspended since August 7, 1993.