NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS Case Nos. 91-175-GA; 91-194-FA Jeffrey T. Ross, P32289, Lake Leelanau, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Grand Traverse County Hearing Panel.
1) Suspension - three (3) years; 2) Effective February 12, 1992. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Traverse City on November 7, 1991. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of formal complaint 91-175-GA. Formal Complaint 91-194-FA was dismissed without prejudice.
Respondent was continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan from October 22, 1988 until March 22, 1991. While suspended, in violation of the orders of suspension, respondent made numerous appearances before the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Otsego County Circuit Court and Kent County Circuit Court; continued to hold himself out as an attorney; failed to inform his clients of his suspensions;failed to file certified or registered mail receipts with the Attorney Grievance Commission showing that written notice of his suspensions were sent to his clients; filed a false reinstatement affidavit with the Michigan Supreme Court; and failed to answer eight requests for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4,7-9); MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.113(B)(2); MCR 9.123(A); MCL 600.916, MSA 27A.916; and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 5.5(a); 8.1(b); 8.4(a-c).
The panel also ordered respondent to attend, upon reinstatement to the practice of law, a minimum of one class hour for each of the three years immediately following his reinstatement, continuing legal education courses in the area of either legal ethics or Michigan basic practice. Costs were assessed in the amount of $657.60.