NOTICE OF INCREASED SUSPENSION ADB 155-88 Leo C. Gilhool, P-27184, Garden City, MI, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing a hearing panel order of suspension for nine months.
1) Suspension - four years; 2) Effective November 23, 1988. The respondent failed to answer the formal proceedings, but appeared at the hearings in Detroit on July 22 and August 23, 1988. Respondent's default was entered and the hearing panel determined that the default, as well as the respondent's admissions, established the allegations of the formal complaint. The respondent was retained to prosecute a workers' compensation matter but failed to appear for trial and failed to refile the petition after the case had been dismissed. The respondent falsely represented to his client that the case had been settled and prepared papers for her signature which he claimed were necessary to settle her case. The respondent 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 Canons 1, 6 and 7 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1- 102(A)(1,4-6); DR 6-101(A)(3); and DR 7-101(A)(1-3).
Upon consideration of a petition for review filed by the Grievance Administrator and respondent's prior disciplinary record, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline from a suspension of nine months to a suspension of four years. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $307.97.