Posted: January 22, 2025
Attorney John Lawrence McDonough (P68576) of Three Rivers, Michigan, has been suspended from the practice of law for two years, effective January 11, 2025, following serious violations of professional conduct rules and failure to comply with a prior disciplinary order.
Failure to Comply With Prior Discipline Spurs Further Action
McDonough initially faced a reprimand with conditions in a 2023 disciplinary case (22-83-JC), issued by Kalamazoo Hearing Panel #2. However, when he failed to meet the terms of that order, the Grievance Administrator filed a motion for an order to show cause and a new formal complaint (24-45-GA), alleging additional misconduct including mishandling a client matter and failing to cooperate with the investigation.
The two matters were consolidated, and McDonough failed to respond to either the motion or the complaint. As a result, a default was entered, and the panel proceeded based on the evidence presented.
Findings of Misconduct
The Tri-County Hearing Panel found that McDonough committed a range of serious violations, including:
- Neglecting a legal matter and failing to pursue his client’s lawful objectives (MRPC 1.1(c), 1.2(a), 1.3)
- Lack of communication, including failure to keep his client informed and respond to reasonable requests (MRPC 1.4(a))
- Abandoning client responsibilities, such as not refunding unearned fees or protecting client interests at termination (MRPC 1.16(d))
- Delays in litigation, failing to expedite proceedings as expected (MRPC 3.2)
- Noncompliance with the disciplinary process, including failure to answer a Request for Investigation and dishonesty during proceedings (MRPC 8.1(a)(2), MRPC 8.4(b))
- Improper settlement conduct, including efforts to suppress reporting or cooperation in the disciplinary investigation (MCR 9.104(10))
- Violation of a prior disciplinary order, by ignoring the terms of his 2023 reprimand (MCR 9.104(9))
Additionally, the panel cited numerous ethical breaches that were prejudicial to the administration of justice and damaging to the reputation of the legal profession (MCR 9.104(1)-(3)).
Sanctions and Costs
As a result of these findings, the panel suspended McDonough’s license for two years and imposed conditions tied to the nature of his misconduct. He must comply with these terms before being eligible for reinstatement.
He was also ordered to pay costs totaling $1,887.43.
A Reminder of Accountability in the Legal Profession
This case underscores the importance of not only serving clients diligently and ethically but also respecting the authority of the disciplinary system. Failure to comply with prior sanctions and avoidable neglect of professional duties can result in severe consequences.
Lawyers are held to high standards—not just in the courtroom, but in their relationships with clients, regulators, and the public trust they are sworn to uphold.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates on legal ethics, professional discipline, and accountability in the legal community.
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