NOTICE OF REPRIMAND
(By Consent)
Case No. 24-3-GA
Notice Issued: February 22, 2024
Joseph J. Farah, P 30439, Grand Blanc, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Livingston County Hearing Panel #1
Reprimand, Effective February 22, 2024
Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. The stipulation contained respondent’s admission to the factual allegations and no contest plea to the allegations of professional misconduct set forth in the formal complaint in its entirety. Based upon respondent's admission and no contest plea as set forth in the parties' stipulation, the panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct during his tenure as a judge when he made comments of a sexual nature and sent inappropriate text messages to a third‑year law student, who was working for respondent as an intern at the Genesee County Circuit Court.
Based upon respondent's admissions, no contest plea, and the stipulation of the parties, the panel found that respondent failed to treat with courtesy and respect all persons involved in the legal process, in violation of MRPC 6.5; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(1); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3); and engaged in conduct that violated the rules of professional conduct, in violation of MCR 9.104(4).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the panel ordered that respondent be reprimanded. Costs were assessed in the amount of $750.00.