Litter Bug

A reprimand has been imposed by a Michigan Hearing Panel

Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of a Reprimand With Conditions, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Grand Traverse County Hearing Panel #1. The stipulation contained respondent’s admission that she committed professional misconduct in a breach of contract dispute between her client and a third party involving registering a dog litter with the American Kennel Club; and, by her failure to respond to two requests for investigation.

Based on respondent’s admissions 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 a 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 her matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) [Count One]; knowingly failed to answer a request for investigation or demand for information in conformity with MCR 9.113(A)-(B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Two]; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1) [Counts One and Two]; 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]; and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [Count Two].

(Mike Frisch)