Held Out

A Tri-Valley Hearing Panel of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board has ordered a one-year suspension

After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found, by default, that respondent committed professional misconduct during his employment as a law clerk at a Michigan law firm. As a condition of respondent’s employment at the firm, he was supposed to apply for admission to the State Bar of Michigan. In July 2021, respondent told his employer that he had not actually applied to become licensed to practice law in Michigan and he was terminated from the firm. After respondent’s termination, his former employer discovered that respondent had held himself out to several clients as a Michigan licensed attorney, despite specific instructions that he not sign any pleadings, appear in court, or offer any legal advice to clients. Respondent rendered legal advice, signed retainer agreements, took or intended to take money from clients in exchange for legal services, and otherwise engaged in the practice of law in Michigan. In addition, respondent failed to answer a Grievance Administrator’s Request for Investigation inquiring into respondent’s employment at the firm.

Status

Contrary to what respondent told his employer, he had applied for reciprocal admission but was rejected by the Board of Law Examiners.

(Mike Frisch)