NOTICE OF REVOCATION Case Nos. 91-12-GA; 91-33-FA Richard C. Tripp, P21573, Huntington Woods, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming a hearing panel order of revocation.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective June 22, 1991. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaint but appeared at the hearing held in Pontiac on March 15, 1991. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained to probate three separate estates, but misappropriated over $21,000 from the estates, failed to promptly administer and account for estate assets, failed to promptly respond to his clients' and subsequent attorneys' inquiries, failed to appear pursuant to an order to show cause regarding his failure to properly administer one estate, failed to obtain the court's prior consent before disbursement of his fees, failed to promptly return the funds to one estate when ordered to do so by the court, failed to comply with court orders directing him to file final accountings for two estates and turn over the assets of two estates, and was adjudged to be in contempt of court for his failure to comply with the court's earlier orders.
Respondent was retained to obtain tax exempt status for a charitable organization, but failed to apply for tax exempt status, failed to provide his client with requested information, falsely advised his client that he had applied for tax exempt status, and falsely advised his client that he had received a tax exempt number from the Internal Revenue Service.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4); MCR 8.303; Canons 1, 6, 7 and 9 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1,3-6); DR 6-101(A)(3); DR 7-101(A) (1-3); DR 9-102(A); DR 9-102(B)(4); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a-c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15; 8.4(a-c).
Respondent filed a petition for review. In an order issued September 30, 1991, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel order of revocation. Costs were assessed in the amount of $721.78.