Sanction Deemed Insufficient

A Michigan attorney falsely advised a tribunal that his client had passed a polygraph examination and made misrepresentations in the ensuing bar proceeding. A hearing panel ordered a 90 day suspension, which was appealed by the Grievance Administrator. The Attorney Discipline Board agreed that  “misleading statements in pleadings should be considered  as more serious misconduct than [the lawyer’s] failure to provide services…for other clients.” Although disbarment was not required, the board noted that the attorney’s extensive prior disciplinary record–“a five year suspension,two reprimands, and eight admonishments”–merited a one-year suspension. The case was deemed less serious than cases involving creation of forged documents. (Mike Frisch)