NOTICE OF SUSPENSION
(By Consent)
Case Nos. 25‑22‑AI; 25‑26‑JC
Notice Issued: October 8, 2025
Joseph Anthony Paparella, P 64848, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Suspension - 30 Days, Effective August 30, 2024[1]
Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of 30-day Suspension, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Kent County Hearing Panel #3. The stipulation contained respondent’s admission that he was convicted by jury verdict on August 30, 2024, of assault with a dangerous weapon (a felony) and reckless driving (a misdemeanor), in violation of MCL 750.82 and MCL 257.626, in State of Michigan v Joseph Anthony Paparella, Kent County Circuit Court, Case No. 23‑03822‑FH. In accordance with MCR 9.120(B)(1), respondent's license to practice law in Michigan was automatically suspended, effective August 30, 2024, the date of respondent’s felony conviction.
Based on respondent's admissions and the stipulation of the parties, the panel found that respondent engaged in conduct that violated a criminal law of a state or of the United States, an ordinance, or tribal law pursuant to MCR 2.615, in violation of MCR 9.104(5); and engaged in conduct involving a violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's fitness as a lawyer, and constituted professional misconduct under MRPC 8.4(b).
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 30 days, effective August 30, 2024, the date of respondent’s automatic interim suspension from the practice of law in Michigan for his felony conviction. Costs were assessed in the amount of $769.68.
[1] On October 7, 2025, Respondent was reinstated to the practice of law in Michigan, see Order of Reinstatement.