NOTICE OF REPRIMAND (By Consent)
Case Nos. 92-132-GA; 92-156-FA Roger J. Ettlinger, P23809, Ypsilanti, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #4.
1) Reprimand; 2) Effective November 4, 1992. 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 pled nolo contendere to the allegations contained in both formal complaints. Respondent also affirmed that he has now returned the complainant's $750.00 retainer and documents to her.
Respondent was retained to represent a client in claims arising out of the legal malpractice of an attorney. The complaint alleged that, although he wrote to his client in January, 1990 and stated that he was ready to proceed, he failed to file an action on the client's behalf; failed to respond to his client's inquiries subsequent to her receipt of this letter; failed to communicate further with his client prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations; and failed and/or refused to comply with his client's demands for the return of her retainer and documentation.
Respondent's conduct was alleged to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1-4); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.4(a,c). Costs were assessed in the amount of $81.60.