NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 92-298-GA; 92-323-FA James Arredondo, P-37669, Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #13.
1) Suspension - 150 days; 2) Effective February 4, 1993. Respondent failed to answer Formal Complaint 92-298-GA and failed to appear at the hearing held in Detroit on January 7, 1993. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of Formal Complaint 92-298-GA. Formal Complaint 92-323-FA was dismissed without prejudice.
Respondent was retained to institute a legal malpractice action, but failed to institute that action; abandoned his client's legal matter; failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; failed to return the unearned $500 fee; failed to release his clients papers and documents; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
In a separate matter, on February 5, 1992, respondent was suspended from the practice of law in Michigan by virtue of his failure to pay bar dues. During the period of suspension, he remained attorney of record for a defendant in the 21st District Court; failed to advise the court or his client of his inability to practice law; failed to advise his client that he was not going to appear at the trial; failed to respond to his client's inquiries concerning the status of the matter; 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); MCR 9.113 (A)and(B)(2); MCR 9.119 (A,B,E); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; 5.5(a); 8.1(b); 8.4(a,c). The panel ordered respondent to make restitution to his client in the amount of $500. Costs were assessed in the amount of $154.08.