MEMBERS LINDA S. HOTCHKISS, MD CHAIRPERSON ALAN GERSHEL
VICE-CHAIRPERSON REV. DR. LOUIS J. PRUES
SECRETARY PETER A. SMIT LINDA M. ORLANS
JASON M. TURKISH ANDREAS SIDIROPOULOS, MD
KATIE STANLEY TISH VINCENT
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
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OWEN R. MONTGOMERY CASE MANAGER
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JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY
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NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 22-76-GA Notice Issued: March 15, 2023 Matthew D. Novello, P 63269, Highland, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #58
Suspension - 180 Days, Effective March 11, 2023 1 After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found, by default, that respondent committed professional misconduct by abandoning his representation of three separate clients, and when he failed to answer four requests for investigation.
Based on respondent’s default and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel found that respondent neglected a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to seek the lawful objectives of a client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3 [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of 1.4(a) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make an informed decision regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to take reasonable steps to protect the client's interests after termination of representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d) [Count Three]; failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Four]; engaged in conduct that violates the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4) [All Counts]; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b) [Counts One and Two]; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1) [All Counts]; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2) [All Counts]; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [All Counts]; and failed to answer a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7), MCR 9.113(A) and MCR 9.113(B)(2) [Count Four].
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law be suspended for 180 days, effective March 11, 2023, and that respondent pay restitution totaling $3,000. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,750.86.
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since December 8, 2022. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1), issued December 12, 2022, in Grievance Administrator v Matthew D. Novello, 22-76-GA.