A recent sanction summarized on the web page of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board

Doris Culver Vandenberg, P 56828, Fruitport, Michigan

Suspension – 60 Days, Effective August 13, 2025

Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed an Amended Stipulation for Consent Order of a 60-Day Suspension and Restitution, which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Muskegon County Hearing Panel #2. The stipulation contained respondent’s no contest pleas to the factual allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-18, 20, and 23-26, and the allegations of professional misconduct set forth in paragraphs 22(b)-(e), 27(a), and 27(c), of the formal complaint. Specifically, that respondent continued to collect $100 biweekly payments from a former client long after her services had concluded, including during a time period in which her license to practice law was suspended. Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the remaining paragraphs of the formal complaint were dismissed.

Based on respondent’s no contest pleas and the amended stipulation of the parties, the panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct when she collected a clearly excessive fee, in violation of MRPC 1.5(a) [Count One]; failed to refund an unearned fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d) [Count One]; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2) [Count One]; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [Counts One and Two]; and accepted compensation in excess of a quantum meruit basis for legal services while suspended, in violation of MCR 9.119(F) [Count Two].