NOTICE OF DISBARMENT AND RESTITUTION
Case No. 23-83-GA
Notice Issued: October 21, 2025
Robert A. Canner, P 11572, Southfield, Michigan
Disbarment, Effective April 16, 2025
Based on the evidence presented to Tri‑County Hearing Panel #59 at hearings held in this matter in accordance with MCR 9.115, the hearing panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct by intentionally misappropriating clients’ funds, failing to keep two separate clients properly informed as to the status of their matters, and failing to protect another client’s interest at the conclusion of his representation.
Specifically, the panel found that respondent violated MRPC 1.4(a) by not keeping clients reasonably informed and promptly complying with requests for information [Counts Two and Three]; MRPC 1.5(a), by collecting an excessive fee [Counts One and Two]; MRPC 1.5(c), by failing to put a contingent‑fee agreement in writing, and failing to state the method by which the fee is to be determined [Count Two]; MRPC 1.15(b)(3), by failing to promptly pay funds to various clients who were entitled to the funds [Counts One, Two, and Three]; MRPC 1.15(d), by failing to hold property of clients or third persons in connection with a representation separate from his own property [Counts One, Two, and Three]; MRPC 1.15(f), by failing to deposit his own funds in a client trust account only in excess of an amount reasonably necessary to pay financial institution service charges or fees or to obtain a waiver of service charges or fees [Count One]; MRPC 1.16(d), by failing upon termination of representation, to take reasonable steps to protect a client's interests [Count Two]; MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4), by engaging in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional conduct [Counts One, Two, and Three]; MRPC 8.4(b), by engaging 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 [Counts One, Two, and Three]; MCR 9.104(2), by engaging in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach [Counts One, Two, and Three]; and MCR 9.104(3), by engaging in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals [Counts One, Two, and Three].
The panel ordered that respondent be disbarred, effective April 16, 2025, and that he pay restitution totaling $59,836.00. Costs were assessed by the panel in the amount of $3,880.08.
On April 14, 2025, respondent timely filed a petition for review. After proceedings pursuant to MCR 9.118, the Board affirmed the hearing panel’s Order of Disbarment and Restitution in its entirety. Additional costs of $192.50 were assessed by the Board for the review hearing conducted on July 9, 2025, bring the total costs assessed in this matter to $4,096.84.