NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITION
(By Consent)
Case No. 24-35-GA
Notice Issued: October 21, 2024
Scott R. Baker, P 69106, Novi, Michigan
Suspension - 120 Days, Effective October 19, 2024
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 #67. The stipulation contained respondent's admissions to all of the factual allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 through 60, and his no contest plea to the allegations of professional misconduct set forth in paragraph 61 of the formal complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator. Specifically, that respondent committed professional misconduct by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a defendant while respondent was acting as a prosecuting attorney for the City of Novi.
Based upon respondent’s admission, no contest plea, and the parties’ stipulation, the panel found that respondent engaged in a conflict of interest, in violation of MRPC 1.7(b); failed to provide fairness to opposing party, in violation of MRPC 3.4; communicated with an opposing party represented by counsel without authorization, in violation of MRPC 4.2; provided a false statement within his answer to a request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.104(6) and MRPC 8.1(a)(1);
engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of 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); engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(1); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 120 days and that he be subject to a condition relevant to the established misconduct. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $920.16.