The Michigan Attorney Discipline Board has affirmed a tri-county hearing panel order that had disbarred an attorney

After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found, by default, that respondent committed professional misconduct as charged in a nine-count formal complaint. The panel found (Counts I-VIII) that between June 2013 and November 2017, respondent, his sister, and his then girlfriend/fiancee engaged in a number of fraudulent actions/transactions with the intent to deprive respondent’s employer and the employer’s clients of fees and funds to which they were entitled; (Count VIII) that in 2015 respondent engaged in a conflict of interest with a litigation funding company; and, knowingly provided false testimony during his February 11, 2019, sworn statement taken by the Administrator’s counsel (Count IX).

Respondent

On June 3, 2021, respondent filed a timely petition for review and stay of discipline pursuant to MCR 9.118. The Board granted an interim stay of discipline. After review proceedings held in accordance with MCR 9.118, the Board issued an order on September 15, 2021, that affirmed the hearing panel’s order of disbarment and restitution in its entirety.

Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court on November 19, 2021. The Court denied respondent’s application for leave on January 4, 2022.

(Mike Frisch)