Published: May 15, 2025 | Grand Rapids, MI
On May 15, 2025, attorney Michael Orrin King, Jr. (P71345) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was officially disbarred from the practice of law following a series of serious ethical and professional violations. The disbarment is effective immediately, and King has also been ordered to pay $10,300.00 in restitution to his former clients.
The disciplinary proceedings, conducted by Kent County Hearing Panel #1 under MCR 9.115, resulted in a default judgment against King. He failed to appear or meaningfully participate in the process, including neglecting to respond to the Grievance Administrator’s investigative requests involving complaints from three former clients in separate legal matters.
Based on the uncontested evidence, the panel found that King committed extensive misconduct across multiple counts, including:
- Neglect of Legal Matters – Violating MRPC 1.1(c) by failing to properly handle entrusted legal work in at least three client cases.
- Lack of Diligence and Communication – Violating MRPC 1.3 and 1.4 by failing to act promptly, stay in communication, or provide updates on case progress.
- Improper Termination of Representation – Violating MRPC 1.16(d) by abandoning clients without taking necessary steps to protect their legal interests.
- Dishonesty and Misrepresentation – Violating MRPC 8.4(b) by engaging in conduct involving deceit and behavior reflecting adversely on his trustworthiness and fitness to practice law.
- Failure to Cooperate with Disciplinary Authorities – Violating MRPC 8.1(a)(2) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2) by failing to respond to lawful demands for information from the Attorney Grievance Commission.
- Multiple Violations of Professional Conduct and Court Rules – Including MRPC 8.4(a), (c) and MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (7), covering a broad spectrum of misconduct that the panel determined to be prejudicial to justice and damaging to the legal profession.
As a result of these violations, the panel ordered that King be disbarred—the most serious form of attorney discipline. In addition to losing his license permanently, he must pay $10,300 in restitution to affected clients and $2,234.48 in costs related to the disciplinary proceedings.
This case represents a profound breakdown in professional responsibility and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of abandoning clients and evading accountability. The disciplinary system emphasizes that failure to uphold legal and ethical obligations will result in serious consequences—up to and including disbarment.
