NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION
Case No. 23-57-GA
Notice Issued: March 5, 2024
Thomas J. Wilson, P 33071, Lexington, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #3
Suspension - 180 Days, Effective March 5, 2024
After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found, by default that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of two clients, and when he failed to answer a request for investigation filed by one of the clients, as set forth in a two count formal complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator.
Based on respondent’s default, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Count One]; failed to seek the lawful objectives of a client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a) [Count One]; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3 [Count One]; 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) [Count One]; 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) [Count One]; failed to take reasonable steps to protect the client’s interests upon termination of representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d) [Count One]; failed to expedite litigation, in violation of MRPC 3.2 [Count One]; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Two];
engaged in conduct that violates the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4) [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) [Counts One and Two]; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2) [Counts One and Two]; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [Counts One and Two]; 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 Two].
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days, effective March 5, 2024, and that he pay restitution totaling $1,270.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,730.27.