NOTICE OF SUSPENSION
(By Consent)
Case No. 23-49-GA
Notice Issued: October 10, 2024
Matthew D. Novello, P 63269, Highland, Michigan
Suspension - 60 Days, Effective October 10, 2024[1]
Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline pursuant to MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Tri-County Hearing Panel #72. The stipulation contained the parties’ agreement that paragraphs 57, 59(e), (f), (g), and (j), and 67(c) and (f) of the formal complaint would be dismissed, and that paragraphs 53 and 58 would be amended as indicated in the stipulation. The stipulation also contained respondent’s plea of no contest to the factual allegations and grounds for discipline set forth in the remaining paragraphs of the formal complaint.
Based on respondent’s no contest pleas and the stipulation of the parties, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Count One]; failed to seek the lawful objectives of the client, 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 the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter, comply with reasonable requests for information, and notify the client promptly of all settlement offers, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) [Count One]; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Two]; failed to answer a Request for Investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2) [Count Two]; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1) [Counts One and Two];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) [Counts One and Two].
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law be suspended for 60 days, effective October 10, 2024. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,195.51.
[1] Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been continuously suspended since December 8, 2022. See Notice of [180‑Day] Suspension and Restitution, issued March 15, 2023, in Grievance Administrator v Matthew D. Novello, 22‑76‑GA.