NOTICE OF REPRIMAND AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 92-153-GA; 92-172-FA Christopher Grierson, P39026, Saginaw and Bridgeport, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Saginaw County Hearing Panel.
1) Reprimand; 2) Effective October 8, 1992. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaints, but appeared at the hearing held in Saginaw on August 10, 1992. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaints.
Respondent was retained to represent a client in divorce proceedings, and was paid $750.00 towards his fee, but failed to appear for a referee hearing/hearings, after he advised his client he would do so; failed to file an appeal of the referee's ruling although he advised his client that he would do so; failed to return his client's telephone calls or to keep his client advised concerning the status of the matter; failed to issue any billings to his client setting forth his services and charges despite repeated requests from his client that he do so; falsely advised his client's new attorney that the client file had been sent to him; failed to provide the complete file to his clients; failed, neglected and/or refused to sign a substitution of counsel stipulation; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4-7); MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a-c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(b); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 8.1(b); 8.4(a,c). The panel ordered respondent to make restitution to his client in the amount of $450.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $285.30.