Lincoln Park attorney Susan S. Pushman has been disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan, the Attorney Discipline Board (ADB) reported Wednesday. The disbarment is deemed effective Jan. 3, 2013.
ADB Tri-County Hearing Panel #3 found, by default, that in five matters, Pushman did not provide the services she was retained to perform. Specifically, the panel found that Pushman neglected legal matters; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing her clients; failed to keep her clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain matters to the extent reasonably necessary to permit her clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation; and failed to take reasonable steps to protect her clients' interests and refund any unearned fees upon termination of representation.
The panel further found that Pushman failed to file answers to four requests for investigation served upon her by the Grievance Administrator and failed to respond to other lawful demands for information from a disciplinary authority. Pushman also failed to answer the formal complaint and to appear at her disciplinary hearing.
The panel ordered that Pushman be disbarred from the practice of law in Michigan, and directed her to pay restitution of $4,370.00 and costs of $1,775.71.
ADB records show that Pushman also received a one-year suspension, effective Dec. 27, 2011. Pushman had not been reinstated from that suspension as of the effective date of her disbarment. Therefore, Pushman has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since Dec. 27, 2011.
ADB records further show that Pushman received a reprimand, effective April 4, 2007.
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