NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION
Case No. 24-95-GA
Notice Issued: July 7, 2025
Thomas D. Noonan, P 60450, Canton, Michigan
Suspension - Two Years, Effective June 30, 2025
Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline pursuant to MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Tri-County Hearing Panel #10. The stipulation contained respondent's no contest pleas to the factual allegations and grounds for discipline set forth in the Two-Count formal complaint. Regarding Count One, respondent was retained to represent his clients in a breach of contract and conversion lawsuit but failed to file a response to a motion, drafted a fake settlement agreement, and in response to a request for investigation, admitted that he “dropped the ball” and was not honest with his clients. As a result, his clients later faced a garnishment. As to Count Two, respondent represented a client in a criminal case, who was incarcerated, and surveillance footage from respondent’s visit to the jail showed respondent meeting with his client and smuggling cigarettes to her. Additionally, recorded jail phone calls – unprotected due to respondent’s failure to register his number as privileged with the phone company – revealed conversations between he and his client about bringing over-the counter medication, cigarettes, and two vape pens for respondent’s next visit, as well as discussions about concealing the contraband. Respondent later admitted to bringing six to eight cigarettes to clients during the visit.
Based upon respondent’s no contest pleas and the parties’ stipulation, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Count One]; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MRPC 1.3 [Count One]; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) [Count One]; engaged in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a) and 9.104(4) [Counts One and Two]; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b) [Counts One and Two]; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper 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) [Counts One and Two].
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for a period of two years and that he pay restitution[1] in the amount of $2,500.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,142.62.
[1] On January 24, 2025, the State Bar of Michigan’s Client Protection Fund made payment to complainant in the amount of $2,500.00. Respondent was ordered to reimburse the Client Protection Fund.