NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 91-39-GA Jill M. Kopec, P27552, East Lansing, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board reducing a hearing panel order of suspension of 121 days.
1) Suspension - 45 days (with conditions); 2) Effective January 22, 1992. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaint, but appeared at the hearing held in Lansing on April 19, 1991. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default, as well as respondent's admissions, established the allegations of the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained to prosecute an employment discrimination suit, but failed to file an answer to a motion for summary disposition; failed to keep her client informed on a timely basis concerning the status of the case; failed to file a motion for reconsideration or seek other relief after the case was dismissed; failed to promptly turn over her client's file after being discharged; and made false statements to her client.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4); the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c), 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a), 8.4(a-c); and Canons 1, 6 and 7 of the then-applicable Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1,5,6); DR 6-101 (A)(3); DR 7-101(A)(1-3). On May 8, 1991, Ingham County Hearing Panel #4 entered an order suspending respondent's license for a period of 121 days.
Respondent filed a petition for review seeking a reduction in the discipline imposed. On November 8, 1991, the Attorney Discipline Board entered an order reducing discipline to a 45-day suspension with relevant remedial conditions intended to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of these acts. The Attorney Discipline Board entered orders modifying the effective date of the suspension on November 27, 1991 and January 16, 1992. Costs were assessed in the amount of $136.14.