Notices

NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION

Case No.  24-7-GA

Notice Issued: September 25, 2024

Kenneth B. Morgan, P 34492, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Suspension - 5 Years, Effective September 17, 2024^[1]

After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, Tri-County Hearing Panel #73 found that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of a client in a civil matter, and by failing to answer a request for investigation.  Respondent failed to file a timely answer to the complaint and his default was entered by the Grievance Administrator on February 23, 2024.  That same day, respondent filed an answer to the complaint, but did not request to set aside the default. 

Based on respondent's default and admissions, the Panel found that respondent failed to represent a client competently, in violation of MRPC 1.1(a) [Count One]; neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Count One]; failed to seek the lawful objective of a client through reasonably available means, 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 a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) [Count One]; upon termination, failed to return a file, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d) [Count One]; failed to provide candid advice, in violation of MRPC 2.1 [Count One]; filed a frivolous pleading, in violation of MRPC 3.1 [Count One]; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from an admissions or disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Two]; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(1) and MRPC 8.4(c) [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]; engaged in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional conduct, in violation of MCR 9.104(4) and MRPC 8.4(a) [Counts One and Two]; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation in conformity with MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Two].

The Panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for five years and that he pay restitution in the total amount of $20,000.00.  Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,119.38.