Published: July 7, 2025 | Canton, Michigan
Attorney Thomas D. Noonan (P60450), based in Canton, Michigan, has been suspended from the practice of law for two years, effective June 30, 2025, following a string of serious professional misconduct, including client neglect, dishonesty, and smuggling contraband to an incarcerated client.
The suspension stems from a stipulated consent order approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and Tri-County Hearing Panel #10, resolving formal disciplinary proceedings in Case No. 24-95-GA. Noonan entered no contest pleas to all factual and disciplinary allegations outlined in a two-count complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator.
Count One: Fabricated Settlement and Client Harm
In the first count, Noonan was hired to represent clients in a breach of contract and conversion case. Rather than fulfilling his professional responsibilities, he failed to respond to a critical motion, causing procedural damage to the case. More disturbingly, he drafted a fake settlement agreement and later admitted in response to an official investigation that he had “dropped the ball” and was not honest with his clients. Ultimately, his negligence led to a garnishment against the clients.
Count Two: Contraband Smuggling and Jailhouse Misconduct
In a separate incident, Noonan was representing a client who was incarcerated in a criminal case. Surveillance footage from a jail visit showed him smuggling cigarettes to the client. Further investigation uncovered recorded jail phone calls, where Noonan and the client discussed bringing over-the-counter medications, cigarettes, and vape pens, as well as how to conceal the contraband. These calls were recorded in part due to Noonan’s failure to register his number as privileged, allowing them to be monitored. He later admitted to bringing six to eight cigarettes during the visit.
Violations and Professional Misconduct
Based on the agreed facts and Noonan’s no contest pleas, the hearing panel found that he committed multiple violations of Michigan’s Rules of Professional Conduct, including:
- Neglecting a legal matter (MRPC 1.1)
- Failing to act diligently or promptly (MRPC 1.3)
- Failing to keep a client reasonably informed (MRPC 1.4)
- Dishonest and deceitful conduct (MRPC 8.4(b))
- Conduct prejudicial to justice and contrary to ethics (MRPC 8.4(c); MCR 9.104(1)-(4))
Sanctions: Suspension and Restitution
As a result of these ethical breaches, the panel ordered:
- Two-year suspension from practicing law in Michigan, effective June 30, 2025
- Restitution in the amount of $2,500, reimbursing the State Bar of Michigan’s Client Protection Fund, which had paid the client on January 24, 2025
- Assessment of $1,142.62 in costs
Conclusion
The disciplinary action against Thomas Noonan underscores the critical importance of honesty, diligence, and professional responsibility in the practice of law. From fabricating legal documents to smuggling contraband into jail, Noonan’s conduct betrayed the trust placed in him by clients and the legal system alike. His two-year suspension and restitution order aim to restore some measure of accountability and reinforce the ethical standards required of Michigan attorneys.
