NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 93-16-GA David M. Blake, P30637, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #58.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective June 12, 1993. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Sterling Heights on April 2, 1993. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained by the defendant in a divorce action, but failed to notify his client or the court of his suspension from the practice of law; remained counsel of record for his client while suspended; failed to advise his client to obtain other counsel; failed to advise his client to appear for trial; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; and, failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent a defendant in the appeal of a criminal matter from the United States District Court, but failed to file a claim of appeal on his client's behalf; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; failed to refund the unearned $3300 fee; knowingly made false representations to his client; failed to notify his client of a previous suspension from the practice of law; 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 (1-4,7,9); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); MCR 9.119(A); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); 8.4(a,c). The panel ordered respondent to make restitution the divorce client in the amount of $600, and to the criminal client in the amount of $3300. Costs were assessed in the amount of $190.00.
NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been continuously suspended law since June 25, 1992.