NOTICE OF SUSPENSION ADB 115-89; 140-89 James E. Zann, P-22694, Livonia, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Wayne County Hearing Panel #12.
1) Suspension - one year; 2) Effective February 23, 1990. The respondent failed to answer the formal complaints and failed to appear at the hearing held in Detroit on December 14, 1989. Respondent's defaults were entered and the hearing panel determined that the defaults established the allegations of the formal complaints.
Respondent's license to practice law was automatically suspended February 17, 1988 in accordance with MCR 9.128 for his failure to pay costs in a prior disciplinary matter. In violation of his duty to refrain from the practice of law while suspended, the respondent accepted a retainer of $75.00 from a client on October 18, 1988, failed to advise his client that he was not licensed to practice law, neglected to respond to his clients inquiries regarding the matter, performed no services, 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 MRPC 5.5. The panel cited the respondent's apparent disdain for the requirements of the rules governing the conduct of attorneys as evidenced by his failure to cooperate at any stage of the disciplinary proceedings. Costs were assessed in the amount of $166.10.