NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 93-133-GA; 93-170-FA; 93-143-GA Christopher Grierson, P-39026, Saginaw, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Saginaw County Hearing Panel.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective December 28, 1993. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaints and failed to appear at the hearing held in Saginaw on October 27, 1993. Respondent's defaults were entered, and the panel determined that the defaults established the allegations of the formal complaints.
Respondent was retained to prepare a bankruptcy petition and was paid $700, but failed to file the bankruptcy petition for ten months after he was paid in full for his services; failed to keep his client adequately advised concerning the status of the matter; knowingly made false statements to his client; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent a woman in the probate of her father's estate and was paid $850. He filed a petition for commencement of probate proceedings, but failed to complete the sale of the decedent's home, which was part of the estate; failed to take any further action on his client's behalf; failed to advise his client that he was not taking any further action on her behalf; failed to adequately communicate with his client regarding the status of the matter; failed to refund the unearned fee; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4)and(7); MCR 9.113(A)and(B)(2); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
Costs were assessed in the amount of $229.14. NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been suspended continuously since September 25, 1993.