NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS
Case No. 24-13-GA
Notice Issued: July 26, 2024
Dean E. Sheldon, III, P 58967, Traverse City, Michigan
Suspension - 365 Days, Effective July 25, 2024
After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, Grand Traverse County Hearing Panel #1 found that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of three separate clients, and when he separately exhibited troubling behavior to fellow litigants and the tribunal.
Respondent did not file an answer to the complaint and his default was entered by the Grievance Administrator on March 6, 2024. Based on respondent's default and the evidence presented at the hearing, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; improperly limited the scope of a representation, when the limitation was not reasonable under the circumstances and the client did not give informed consent, in violation of MRPC 1.2(b) [Count One]; 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 MRPC 1.4(a) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; failed to withdraw from the representation of a client when the lawyer's physical or mental condition materially impaired the lawyer's ability to represent the client, in violation of MRPC 1.16(a)(2) [All Counts]; knowingly made a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal or failed to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer, in violation of MRPC 3.3(a)(1) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.4(c) [Counts One, Two, and Three]; sought to influence a judge or other official by means prohibited by law, in violation of MRPC 3.5(a) [Counts One and Four]; communicated ex parte with a judge or other official concerning a pending matter without being authorized to do so by law or court order, in violation of MRPC 3.5(b) [Counts One and Four]; engaged in undignified or discourteous conduct toward the tribunal, in violation of MRPC 3.5(d) [Count One]; failed to treat with courtesy and respect all persons involved in the legal process, in violation of MRPC 6.5(a) [Counts One, Three, and 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 Three]; 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]; and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [All Counts].
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan is suspended for 365 days, effective July 25, 2024, and that he is subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,838.83.