NOTICE OF REPRIMAND
(By Consent)
Case No. 24-4-GA
Notice Issued: July 22, 2024
Jeffrey A. Slocombe, P 44704, Traverse City, Michigan
Reprimand, Effective July 20, 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 Emmet County Hearing Panel #2. The stipulation contained respondent’s no contest plea to the factual allegations and the grounds for discipline set forth in the formal complaint, namely that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of a client in a criminal action by failing to file an appearance or a timely substitution of counsel prior to a hearing and failing to appear at the hearing.
Based upon the stipulation of the parties and respondent's no contest plea to the factual allegations and allegations of professional misconduct, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1); and engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the panel ordered that respondent be reprimanded. Discipline in this case was also deemed to include restitution, which was paid by respondent prior to the filing of the Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline. Costs were assessed in the amount of $759.73.