Published: November 7, 2024 | Onsted, Michigan
Attorney R. Scott A. Baker (P62511) of Onsted, Michigan, has been suspended from the practice of law for two years, effective December 1, 2024, following serious professional misconduct and a criminal conviction for willful neglect of duty as a public officer.
This disciplinary action stems from Case Nos. 24-25-JC and 24-26-GA, and was issued by consent after Baker and the Attorney Grievance Administrator entered into a Stipulation for Consent Order of Suspension with Condition, under Michigan Court Rule 9.115(F)(5). The stipulation was accepted by Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #2.
Forgery and Criminal Misconduct in Family Law Matters
According to the formal complaint, Baker engaged in misconduct while representing two clients in separate divorce proceedings. In one matter, Baker presented court orders to a client that were falsely created, stamped, and signed by him, falsely appearing to have been issued by the Lenawee County Circuit Court.
In addition to these ethical violations, Baker was criminally charged and subsequently convicted by guilty plea of willful neglect of duty by a public officer, a misdemeanor offense under MCL 740.478, in the case People v. Robert Scott Allen Baker, 2A District Court, Case No. 222067.
Findings of Misconduct and Rule Violations
Based on Baker’s no contest plea and the parties’ stipulation, the hearing panel found that he committed multiple violations of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and the Michigan Court Rules, including:
- Neglecting legal matters entrusted to him (MRPC 1.1(c))
- Failing to act with diligence and promptness (MRPC 1.3)
- Failing to keep clients informed (MRPC 1.4(a))
- Failing to expedite litigation (MRPC 3.2)
- Engaging in dishonest and fraudulent conduct, and violating criminal law, reflecting adversely on his fitness to practice law (MRPC 8.4(b))
- Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice (MCR 9.104(1); MRPC 8.4(c))
- Conduct exposing the legal profession to contempt and censure (MCR 9.104(2))
- Conduct contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals (MCR 9.104(3))
- Violating criminal law as established by a conviction (MCR 9.104(5))
Suspension with Conditions and Costs
As a result of these findings, the panel ordered that Baker’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for two years, beginning December 1, 2024. He will also be subject to additional conditions relevant to the misconduct, which were not specified in the public notice. Costs of the disciplinary proceeding were assessed at $950.76.
Implications for the Legal Community
This case is a sobering reminder of the ethical and legal obligations attorneys bear—especially when representing vulnerable clients in emotionally charged matters such as divorce. Forging court documents and misleading clients not only violates professional trust but also undermines the integrity of the entire legal system.
