NOTICE OF SUSPENSION ADB 247-88; 256-88 Stephen A. Boone, P-10993, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Wayne County Hearing Panel #22.
1) Suspension - 120 days; 2) Effective March 28, 1989. The respondent failed to answer the Formal Complaint and failed to appear at the hearing in Detroit on Wednesday, January 4, 1989. Respondent's default was entered and the hearing panel determined that the default established the allegations of the Formal Complaint. Respondent was retained to prosecute an employment discrimination case and was paid a fee of $5000.00. Respondent failed to communicate with his client and respond to her inquiries; failed to return his client's fee upon demand; failed to refund the unused portion of the retainer paid to him; and failed to prosecute his client's appeal, which resulted in dismissal of that appeal. Respondent also failed to answer additional inquiries of the Attorney Grievance Commission subsequent to his answer to a Request for Investigation, and failed to answer a separate 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 Canons 1, 2, 6, 7 and 9 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1,5,6); DR 2-110(A); DR 6-101(A)(3); DR 7-101(A)(1-3); and DR 9-102(B)(4). Costs were assessed in the amount of $156.47.