Grand Rapids Attorney Michael O. King, Jr. Disbarred for Severe Misconduct; Ordered to Pay Over $10K in Restitution

Background

On May 15, 2025, attorney Michael Orrin King, Jr. (P71345) of Grand Rapids was officially disbarred from the practice of law following a series of serious ethical and professional violations. The disbarment is effective immediately. King was also ordered to pay $10,300 in restitution to former clients.

The disciplinary proceedings were conducted by Kent County Hearing Panel #1 under MCR 9.115. They resulted in a default judgment after King 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.

Violations Found

Based on uncontested evidence, the panel found that King committed extensive misconduct across multiple counts. The violations included neglect of legal matters under MRPC 1.1(c) across at least three client cases; failure to act diligently or maintain communication under MRPC 1.3 and 1.4; improper termination of representation under MRPC 1.16(d) by abandoning clients without protecting their legal interests; dishonesty and misrepresentation under MRPC 8.4(b); and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities under MRPC 8.1(a)(2) and MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2).

The panel also cited violations of MRPC 8.4(a) and (c) and MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7), covering a broad spectrum of misconduct determined to be prejudicial to justice and damaging to the profession.

Sanction

The panel ordered disbarment, the most serious form of attorney discipline available under Michigan’s disciplinary system. In addition to the permanent loss of his license, King was ordered to pay $10,300 in restitution to affected clients and $2,234.48 in costs related to the disciplinary proceedings.