NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 91-211-GA; 91-259-FA Jill M. Kopec, P27552, East Lansing, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming a hearing panel order of suspension.
1) Suspension - 90 days; 2) Effective July 20, 1993.
Respondent failed to answer the Formal Complaint 91-211-GA, but appeared at the hearing held in Lansing on January 3, 1992. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaint. Formal Complaint 91-259-FA was dismissed.
Respondent was retained to prosecute a discrimination action, but failed to cooperate with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's investigation, causing the claim to be dismissed; failed to respond to the inquiries of the EEOC; failed to respond to her client's inquiries or keep her informed concerning the status of the case; failed to file a lawsuit on her client's behalf in the United States Court, causing the matter to become time- barred under the applicable statute of limitations; failed to file any action on her client's behalf in the state court; failed to appear for an appointment with her client or advise her of her inability to appear for the appointment; and, failed to refund the unearned $500 retainer fee.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4); Canons 1, 6, 7 and 9 of the then-applicable Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1,5,6); DR 6-101(A)(3); DR 7-101(A)(1-3); DR 9-102(B)(4); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 8.4(a,c).
The respondent and the Grievance Administrator each filed a petition seeking review of the hearing panel order of suspension. On April 29, 1993, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel order of suspension. Costs were assessed in the amount of $279.28.