NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITION
Case No. 23-85-GA
Notice Issued: July 26, 2024
Liza Ann Esqueda, P 80588, Northville, Michigan
Suspension - One Year, Effective July 23, 2024
After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, Tri-County Hearing Panel #7 found that respondent committed professional misconduct during her representation of a client in a matter before the 54-A District Court, by failing to answer a request for investigation, and for failing to appear for a sworn statement although subpoenaed to do so by the Grievance Administrator
Respondent did not file an answer to the complaint and her default was entered by the Grievance Administrator on November 1, 2023. Based on respondent's default and the evidence presented at the hearing, the hearing panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to the lawyer, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) (Count One); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3 (Count One); unlawfully obstructed another party’s access to evidence, unlawfully altered, destroyed, or concealed a document or other material having potential evidentiary value, or counseled or assisted another person to do any such act, in violation of MRPC 3.4(a) (Count One); knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a) (Count Two); 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); and, failed to answer a request for investigation in conformity with MCR 9.113(A)-(B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) (Count Two). The panel also found respondent to have violated MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and MRPC 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for one year, effective July 23, 2024, and that she be subject to a condition relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,110.09.