NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case Nos. 92-200-GA; 92-248-GA; 92-278-FA Michael L. Oesterle, P27189, Midland, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Isabella County Hearing Panel.
1) Suspension - three years; 2) Effective May 7, 1993. The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for consent order of discipline pursuant to MCR 9.115 (F)(5), which was approved by the hearing panel and the Attorney Grievance Commission. Respondent admitted the allegations of professional misconduct contained in the formal complaints.
Respondent was suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for sixty days, effective October 28, 1991. He violated that order of suspension by engaging in the practice of law while suspended; filing an affidavit of compliance pursuant to MCR 9.119(C) which contained a false statement; and filing an affidavit of compliance pursuant to MCR 9.123(A) which contained a false statement.
In 1989, respondent was retained in an action to quiet title, but failed to take prompt action to investigate and locate the deed; failed to take prompt action to obtain a quit claim deed to the property; failed to file an action for over five months; failed to pursue the litigation in a timely manner; failed to respond to telephone messages and correspondence form his clients; failed to keep his clients informed concerning the status of the matter; and, made misrepresentations and false statements to his clients. Respondent also failed to answer Formal Complaint 92-248-GA.
Respondent admitted his conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4,7,9); MCR 9.119(E); MCR 9.123(A); MCL 600.916; MSA 27A.916; and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.3(a)(1); 8.1(a,b); 8.4(a-c). Costs were assessed in the amount of $155.85.